7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring
As chilly winter days become rarer and the welcome warmth of early spring takes hold, you might start thinking about how you’ll keep your home cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is a great time to implement energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the warmer months ahead.
Here are seven things to implement today, courtesy of the cooling specialists at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Operate Ceiling Fans
If you never use your ceiling fans in the summer, you’re missing out on a terrific opportunity to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. By making the room feel around four degrees cooler, the wind chill effect from running a ceiling fan lets you dial up the thermostat without making your home feel too hot. Just remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave the area.
2. Be Smart Around Windows
In terms of regulating your home’s temperature, windows can be your best friends or your worst enemies. The magic is learning how to use them correctly based on what the temperature is outdoors:
- On cool but sunny days, elevate the blinds to allow the sunshine in to warm your home naturally.
- On very warm days, open windows on opposite sides of the dwelling to produce a cooling cross-breeze. If allergies are a concern, it’s better to instead run your AC to stop pollen from getting in.
- On hot days, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows to lessen solar heat gain and reduce the need for home cooling.
3. Cook Outside
Using the oven or stovetop increases the heat inside your home, making your cooling system work harder and consume more electricity. Reap the benefits of the beautiful spring weather by moving your cooking outdoors. Grilling is a great way to get some fresh air while leaving your house cool and comfortable. In addition, when you start grilling season early, you avoid the severe heat and bothersome mosquitoes of summer.
4. Spring Clean with a Mission
Spring cleaning is a practice that provides a fresh, tidy home just in time for much warmer weather. You may not have heard, but spring cleaning is also an opportunity to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. As you deep-clean your home, focus on areas that can impede airflow and, as a result, increase your home’s energy bills. Here are some areas to tackle:
- • Wipe down ceiling fan blades and set them to run counterclockwise.
- Apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around windows and doors.
- Clean sliding glass door tracks to lower the amount of air leakage.
- Change the HVAC air filter to help with optimal airflow.
- Rake away debris from around the outdoor AC unit to enhance performance.
- Clean the coils under or behind the refrigerator to minimize the energy required to keep your food cold.
- Clean off light fixtures and exchange old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
5. Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced
A spring AC check-up prepares your cooling system for the summer’s hot sun. Even though you can perform a few tasks yourself, such as switching out the air filter and clearing away obstructions from the exterior unit, only a professional can clean the evaporator coil, lubricate moving parts and top off the refrigerant. Annual check-ups can go a long ways to help lower power use, promote more reliable performance and make your equipment last longer. Set up service with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in the spring to ensure your system is ready to its best when you need it most.
6. Take Care of Your Ducts
Spring is always a great time to address your home’s ductwork. Sealing and insulating the ductwork helps conditioned air get to its destination more efficiently. Then, thorough duct cleaning eliminates debris buildup, making sure air moves smoothly through the system. These ductwork services save electricity and improve indoor air quality, making your home a more comfortable place to be during the summer.
7. Upgrade for Electricity Efficiency
Consider upgrading your HVAC system or major appliances to energy-efficient models this spring. ENERGY STAR-certified products use less electricity without losing performance. Upgrades necessitate an investment, but you can expect considerable energy bill savings and a more comfortable, sustainable residence. These improvements also enhance a home’s value if you ever decide to move. Spring is the right time for HVAC updates, as contractors are typically less busy, which makes it easier to arrange the installation at a convenient time for you.
Count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Fort Lauderdale this Spring
For support using any of these tips this spring, call the pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer affordable, energy-efficient cooling solutions in Fort Lauderdale to save you money all summer long. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can count on us to deliver comfort and a secure feeling in your home. For excellent service that makes a positive impact on your daily life, call 954-736-4314 today!