5 Ways To Cut Your Cooling Costs In The Long Term
Posted on: 4 July 2016
If your cooling costs seemed to be through the roof last summer, it is time to make some changes this year. Here are five ways that you can cut your long-term cooling costs.
#1 Upgrade Your Old Model
One of the best ways to reduce your cooling costs is by upgrading your HVAC system. Every year, there are new improvements in HVAC technology. Each of these improvements creates units that use energy more effectively and cool your home in a more effective manner. If your HVAC system is ten or more years old, a new system should be significantly more energy-efficient. This will reduce your long-term energy costs.
#2 Protect Your HVAC Unit From The Elements
Second, you need to protect your HVAC unit from the elements. Getting hit by the sun all the time and getting exposed to water and other debris can be damaging for your unit; it can reduce the overall efficiency of your HVAC unit. You should have an awning put up so that your HVAC unit is protected from the elements. Make sure that you don't completely close your HVAC unit though; you need air to be able to flow freely around the unit for it to operate effectively as well.
#3 Keep The Vents Clean & Open
Take some time every month to clean off the vents inside of your home. If you can, take your vacuum cleaner and clean down your vents as far as you can reach as well. Dirt and debris inside of your vents can cause your HVAC system to work harder than it needs to and to use more energy than it needs to.
Additionally, you need to keep your vents open. When you close your vents but run your air conditioner, your unit is still going to try to push out of those openings. It is best to keep all vents open so the air can flow freely.
If there are areas of your house that you don't want to heat or cool, you may want to consider investing and upgrading to an HVAC system that allows you to only heat certain areas of your home at a time.
#4 Change The Air Filter On Time
Fourth, you need to change your air filter on a regular basis. Check your HVAC's owner manual and make sure that you know how often your system is supposed to be changed or cleaned, and then write the dates that you need to change your HVAC filter on your calendar or set a reminder on your phone.
A dirty air filter can cause your HVAC system to use excess energy trying to get your home cool. Your HVAC will work most effectively when the filter is clean.
#5 Use A Programmable Thermostat
Finally, use a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to make sure that the temperature inside of your home matches your schedule. For example, if you are typically not home for ten to twelve hour stretches during the day, you can make your house cooler in the winter when you are not there and set your heater to come on just in time to warm up the house for when you get home. You can do the exact opposite in the summer; you can keep your house warmer during the day, and set it so that it cools down just in time for you to come home. Contact a company like Shakley Mechanical Inc to learn more.
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