Now is the time of year when a lot of people start thinking about the electric bill and ways to spend less money. At Royal Heating and Air we are all about saving on HVAC costs and we wanted to share 7 tips to help you use less energy this summer.
1) Change filters and keep it clean.
It is more important than most people think. Dirty air filters increase energy use by about 7% and are the most common cause for breakdowns. Changing your HVAC filter monthly could reduce your energy usage by 5-15% and help extend the life of your system. Clogged filters make your entire system work harder. Keeping your outside unit clear and free from debris is also something that will help your system run more efficiently.
2) Keep registers clear.
Just like a clogged filter, anything blocking the register could
cause your system to have to strain to produce the proper airflow and work
harder to maintain the same temperature.
3) Use Ceiling Fans.
Ceiling fans help in a couple ways. They circulate create air flow which has a
cooling effect on the skin by itself. They
also circulate the air, so your system is not trying to cool hot patches while
cold air sits static. Because heat rises
and cold air sinks, make sure the fan is blowing up towards the ceiling in the summer
to pull cold air up.
4) Windows.
Sunlight is a huge source of indoor heat, and during the
summer as much as 30% of undesirable heat comes through the windows in your
home. The more of those rays you can
block the better it is for HVAC savings. Using sun blocking curtains, or window
tinting film can reduce the temperature in your home and allow your system to
work less.
5) Fix leaks.
No matter where they are, leaks rob your system of
efficiency and cost you more money. Caulking leaky windows and weatherstripping
doors are great starting points. If your
HVAC unit was not installed by Royal Heating and Air, you may have leaky ductwork
causing your system to lose efficiency.
Having your ducts sealed can make a difference if that is the case.
6) Programmable thermostat.
When you are at work or on vacation, or other times when you don’t need to keep the house so cool, raising the thermostat can add up to significant savings. We recommend having a programmable thermostat installed. A programmable thermostat allows you to set your temperatures to adjust automatically for when you are typically home or away. Properly used, you could save up to 12% over the course of a year.
7) Preventative Maintenance.
An air conditioner that is not properly maintained can use 10%-30% more energy which can reduce its total life span. Every 2- 3 years it is recommended to have a professional tune up to check refrigerant levels, controls, and make sure everything is clean. In addition, it is a good idea to have your HVAC system inspected twice yearly by a trusted HVAC company at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Royal Heating and Air is here to help you lower your energy costs with HVAC service and maintenance you can count on. Go to our website or call today to schedule your preventative maintenance check now.
