March 17, 2017
Spring officially begins later this month, which means warmer weather will be here to stay before we know it. Keep your home and family cool and comfortable as the temperature climbs while spending less money with these energy-saving tips!
1. Have your air conditioning system serviced before the heat arrives.
Just like scheduling a tune-up for your heating system each fall, arranging for an A/C maintenance visit in the spring can help your equipment work more efficiently during the coming months. A quick tune-up alone can lower your spring and summer energy bills by 10%!
2. Replace A/C system filters routinely.
Dirt and debris from regular operation can prevent your cooling system from working at peak performance. Each time you replace your equipment’s filters, you can look forward to another 5–10% reduction in energy consumption.
3. Remember to use your ceiling fans.
If you have central air, you may overlook your home’s ceiling fans in the warmer months. However, if you put them to use in conjunction with A/C, you’ll be able to raise the thermostat setting about four degrees without impacting your comfort.
4. Air out your kitchen and bathrooms.
Make sure kitchen and bathroom fans are vented to the outside to remove excess heat and humidity from your home.
5. Keep the sunlight outdoors on hot days.
While we’re all looking forward to a little extra vitamin D after the winter months, direct sunlight shining through your windows can heat up your home fast. Keep curtains and blinds shut during the day to help capture cool indoor air and prevent heat gain.
6. Crack down on unwanted drafts.
Weather-strip and caulk cracks, seams, and openings around doors and windows to keep the hot air outside. This is beneficial throughout the seasons and can save you more than 20% on your annual energy costs!
7. Get grilling!
If you have an outdoor grill, make sure to utilize it for more than just Memorial Day or 4th of July festivities. When possible, give your oven a break and opt to cook outside. This will keep the heat out of your kitchen on warm days and nights, limiting your air conditioner’s operation.
For more energy-saving tips like these during the warmer months ahead and all year long, check us out on Facebook.