How to Get the Most Out of Your Air-Conditioning System
Even though it seems like we may have skipped past spring here in Massachusetts, believe it or not, summer is almost here. With warmer temperatures on the way, you may be concerned about the cost of cooling your home. Fear not: with these six easy tips, you can save money by making the most out of your air conditioning system.
- Schedule a Tune-Up
An annual tune-up from one of our HVAC technicians can significantly improve the operation of your air conditioning system, saving you money in the long run. Now is the time to schedule your tune-up, so you can ensure your A/C system is performing at peak efficiency before temperatures reach their max.
You may also consider going one step further and enrolling in a more comprehensive service plan, so that you don’t have to wait for service should any issues arise.
- Check Your Filter
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing a dirty, clogged air filter with a clean one can reduce your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5-15%.
Make sure to check, or have a professional check, your HVAC system’s filter regularly. During heavy summer use, the filter will likely need to be washed or replaced about once a month (possibly more if you live in an especially dusty area, smoke inside, or have pets). If you notice that the filter is bent, collapsed, damp, or has grown mold, change it immediately.
- Keep Hot Air Out and Cool Air In
Proper sealing will help you stay cooler in the summer, as well as warmer in the winter. Prevent cool air from leaking out by sealing around the HVAC unit and your ducts’ seams and connections. Then wrap the ducts in insulation.
During the day, keep out hot air by closing your windows and drapes, and then open them at night to ventilate your home. You may also consider installing energy-efficient window treatments, or exterior blinds and shutters. Finally, you can limit the amount of heat generated inside your home by using appliances and cooking at cooler, off-times.
- Take Advantage of Your Thermostat If you have a programmable thermostat, use it to limit operations for times that you’re home. Most modern thermostats will allow you to turn the air on only when the real indoor temperature has reached a certain level, so that you’re not running at full-blast when temperatures dip at night, for example. By efficiently using this handy device, you can save hundreds of dollars a year.
- Consider Going Ductless Ductless mini-splits typically use one outdoor unit and one or more indoor units together to cool your home. They require no ductwork (thus the name), and can be affixed to any wall, making installation simple and affordable. The system offers nearly silent room-by-room or total-home cooling, and can be used to keep your family comfortable year-round. Systems with a heat pump feature can be used to add extra warmth on chilly spring or autumn days, and can also help offset your central heating system during the winter months. Plus, these mini-split systems use less energy, and help reduce common household allergens and pollutants.
- Get a Home Energy Audit
If you’re serious about making the most of both your heating and cooling system, a Home Energy Audit will thoroughly assess the current standing of your home and provide personalized improvement suggestions. As part of the audit, an energy specialist will perform a complete, roof-to-basement evaluation to calculate your home’s exact energy usage and air leakage. You will then receive a full report on how your home uses energy, including recommendations on how much energy and money you could save through energy-efficiency improvements.
At Noonan, our team can install a variety of efficiency boosters, such as LED bulbs, power strips, and updated thermostats at no charge.
Ready to discuss all the ways you can make your home air conditioning system more effective this summer, and every year? Contact Noonan today.