Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Summer

May 29, 2018

Summer is just around the corner. Although many people prefer summer to any other season, it can be a costly time of year since temperatures skyrocket. Depending on a variety of factors, such as your lifestyle, your home, and the weather itself, cooling costs can break the bank if you are not careful. Scheduling an AC tune-up with Townsend Energy is a great way to prevent outlandish energy bills this year.

Our NATE-certified techs have the skills and experience to ensure your air conditioner works in an optimum fashion all summer long. Additionally, our comprehensive tune-up services help keep your energy costs down. The evaluation is an opportunity to uncover potential problems. Consequently, when our technicians service your air conditioning unit, they ensure that you are aware of potential issues before you find yourself under the blazing summer sun with no air conditioning. For these and other reasons, you should schedule your appointment now. We service Beverly MA and the surrounding areas.

Summer Energy Saving Tips

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1 Summer Energy Saving Tips

Homeowners are typically unhappy when they receive their first energy bill of the summer. While some concede to pay outrageous prices for air-conditioning, others go as far as to live in less than comfortable temperatures throughout the season. However, even during the heat of summer, it is possible to feel comfortable in your home without paying outlandish prices for air-conditioning.

This goal can is achievable in a variety of ways. For example, you can choose to install something referred to as a “mini-split” air conditioning system, schedule air conditioning maintenance, or use energy-efficient lighting. Below are some additional tips to help you save money on your summer energy bill:

Unwanted Heat

Your HVAC system must work harder and longer if unwanted heat enters your home. For this reason, you should make every effort to keep outside air from coming your home during summer.

One way to achieve this is to make sure the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperature is as small as possible. For example, you may need to set your thermostat a bit higher than usual. For example, if your home is unoccupied for eight hours or longer during the cooling season, the US Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat anywhere from five to eight degrees higher than usual. A higher temperature in your home when no one is home will help you save a tremendous amount of money on your energy bill during summer.

Also, you should consider investing in a “smart” thermostat or a programmable thermostat. These types of thermostats help you avoid the hassle of manually setting the temperature each day. It will also help you keep unwanted heat from entering your home when outside temperatures are warm. According to the Department of Energy, a smart thermostat can reduce your yearly cooling costs by up to $180.

Be sure to seal up cracks around windows and doors. Also, close your curtains or blinds to prevent the sun from entering and heating up your home. You can even plant some shade trees.

Regularly Check Filters

According to HVAC experts, dirty and clogged filters are a top cause of cooling system problems. Dirty filters, in particular, allow particles to enter the evaporator coil in the system. When this happens, it impairs its capacity to absorb heat.

If this occurs, your cooling costs will rise, as the system will become less efficient. The Department of Energy also states that dirty, clogged filters can increase your energy costs by up to fifteen percent.

You can avoid these problems by inspecting your air filters on a monthly basis and replacing dirty filters as soon as they are dirty. HVAC experts recommend that you change the filters every 60 days.

However, if you have furry pets in your home, you may need to replace the filters on a more frequent basis. Fur and dander can clog a filter much faster than homes without pets.

Some homeowners fail to change filters that out of reach. For those who have air filters that are located far in the duct system and they are difficult to reach, every effort should be made to change them regularly to maximize airflow and lower your energy costs.

Invest In Zoned Air Conditioning

If it is not necessary to cool your entire home, you should invest in something called a ductless mini-split system. Systems of this kind allow you to cool specific sections or zones of your dwelling, which will lower your cooling costs for obvious reasons. Mini-split systems are easy to install, very efficient, and surprisingly, they are usually quite affordable. A skilled HVAC technician can typically install a ductless air conditioner of this kind within a day.

Replace Old Light Bulbs With Energy Efficient Options

When compared with incandescent light bulbs, modern lighting solutions such as CFL or LED bulbs use less electricity, last longer, and produce less heat. Thess reasons are why you should invest in these bulbs instead of using your incandescent light bulbs.

The Benefits Of Ceiling Fans

Even though a ceiling fan does not technically lower the temperature of a room, it creates a wind-chill effect. This wind-chill, ultimately, makes the room feel approximately six degrees cooler. For this reason, using a ceiling fan allows you to set your thermostat several degrees higher. When using a ceiling fan, you pay less on your energy bills without sacrificing comfort.

Schedule Regular AC Maintenance

Having an energy-efficient air-conditioning unit is also an essential aspect concerning lowering the cooling costs of your home. Similar to any appliance, an AC system requires maintenance to run at an efficient level.

Experts and HVAC manufacturers suggest that you schedule an air-conditioning tune-up each year. The best time for such a tune-up is in late spring, just before the arrival of summer. Another advantage of planning such a tune-up during spring is that many AC companies offer AC tune-up specials during this time.

Tune-ups ensure that the technician finds any problems within your system before they become significant issues. The technician will also lubricate and clean the unit to help it run at optimal efficiency. By scheduling regular check-ups for your cooling system, you can enjoy lower cooling costs, less energy consumption, and more comfortable home.

Beverly AC Tune-Up

If you use the energy-saving tips above, you can reduce your cooling costs during summer. Additionally, you will enjoy a more comfortable home.

When searching Google for “home AC tune-up near me,” contact Townsend Energy. Call us today and have one of our experienced and trained technicians evaluate your air conditioner. They will make sure it is in tip-top shape for the hot summer season.

Some of the areas we service include Beverly, Danvers, Hamilton, Prides Crossing, South Hamilton, Wenham and these zip codes: 01915, 01923, 01936, 01965, 01982, 01984, as well as all surrounding areas in Essex County, Massachusetts.