Best Spring & Summer HVAC Tips For Better Performance.
Also read this: 6 HVAC tips to save money on your summer energy bill
After cold and long winter nights, the arrival of spring calls for celebration. Spring is regarded as the best time to get your HVAC system ready for warmer summer months. Taking a few maintenance and preparatory steps will ensure that your HVAC system will provide you with comfortable summer months when the temperatures rise beyond endurance level.
Preparing during spring can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills as well. Here are five effective Spring & Summer HVAC tips to enhance your comfort and increase savings on HVAC usage.
Plug Up Any Holes
The first and the foremost step should be to cover up all the holes that you see in your walls and windows. The room should be completely covered while you put on your air conditioner. This is to prevent the cool air escaping through vents. Cool air should be treated like a precious vapor and preserving it inside the confined area will keep your room cooler for long. You can use foam and caulking to effectively seal problem areas, and add extra insulation in the loft. Shutting the vents, doors and openings to other rooms can also reduce the load of your air conditioning unit and thus, help you save money.
Close Your Windows
Anything that makes the room for sun rays seeping into the room can actually increase the temperature in your home. It is important to adopt methods that can keep the sun from coming in and creating greenhouse effect in your room. Solar screens or mesh-like window screens are known to be effective ways for sealing windows. These intercept approximately 70 percent of solar energy before letting it into the house. Such kinds of window screens are particularly effective on east and west facing windows. Alternatively, you can also use window films for resetting windows. They are metalized, transparent sheets that reflect heat before it is transmitted through glass. These windows provide effective insulation and help keep the room cooler for long.
Keep The Filters Clean
Dirty air filters are one of the major causes of air conditioning breakdowns. They also contribute in adding about 10% more in energy costs. Thus, it is advised to keep the filters clean and running to get effective cooling. Cleaning filters can be tacky job for many people, but it is important to make sure you perform it every month. The step involves running water through the filters and letting them air-dry.
Energy Star
When buying a new air conditioning system, it is advised to check the SEER number of the product. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which should be above 13. You may also look for energy efficient ratio of 11 or above. Since, less energy efficient systems demand more running costs, it adds up to 30% to annual electricity bills. Although, high efficiency units may cost you additional during initial purchase but, the extra cost will be easily recovered over a few years from significant reduction in the electricity bills. It is also advised to replace your 10-15 year old air conditioner unit with a brand new 15 SEER system. This will help you save 35-45% on your electricity bills.
Install a programmable thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat is a simple Do-It-Yourself project. Setting your cooling system 5-6 degree warmer will help you save a significant amount of energy on your air conditioner, especially when you’re away for work. It can help you cut up to 5-20% on energy bill annually. This simple installation and mounting process takes less than an hour and delivers efficient energy saving benefit.
After cold and long winter nights, the arrival of spring calls for celebration. Spring is regarded as the best time to get your HVAC system ready for warmer summer months. Taking a few maintenance and preparatory steps will ensure that your HVAC system will provide you with comfortable summer months when the temperatures rise beyond endurance level.
Preparing during spring can save you a significant amount of money on your energy bills as well. Here are five effective Spring & Summer HVAC tips to enhance your comfort and increase savings on HVAC usage.
Plug Up Any Holes
The first and the foremost step should be to cover up all the holes that you see in your walls and windows. The room should be completely covered while you put on your air conditioner. This is to prevent the cool air escaping through vents. Cool air should be treated like a precious vapor and preserving it inside the confined area will keep your room cooler for long. You can use foam and caulking to effectively seal problem areas, and add extra insulation in the loft. Shutting the vents, doors and openings to other rooms can also reduce the load of your air conditioning unit and thus, help you save money.
Close Your Windows
Anything that makes the room for sun rays seeping into the room can actually increase the temperature in your home. It is important to adopt methods that can keep the sun from coming in and creating greenhouse effect in your room. Solar screens or mesh-like window screens are known to be effective ways for sealing windows. These intercept approximately 70 percent of solar energy before letting it into the house. Such kinds of window screens are particularly effective on east and west facing windows. Alternatively, you can also use window films for resetting windows. They are metalized, transparent sheets that reflect heat before it is transmitted through glass. These windows provide effective insulation and help keep the room cooler for long.
Keep The Filters Clean
Dirty air filters are one of the major causes of air conditioning breakdowns. They also contribute in adding about 10% more in energy costs. Thus, it is advised to keep the filters clean and running to get effective cooling. Cleaning filters can be tacky job for many people, but it is important to make sure you perform it every month. The step involves running water through the filters and letting them air-dry.
Energy Star
When buying a new air conditioning system, it is advised to check the SEER number of the product. SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, which should be above 13. You may also look for energy efficient ratio of 11 or above. Since, less energy efficient systems demand more running costs, it adds up to 30% to annual electricity bills. Although, high efficiency units may cost you additional during initial purchase but, the extra cost will be easily recovered over a few years from significant reduction in the electricity bills. It is also advised to replace your 10-15 year old air conditioner unit with a brand new 15 SEER system. This will help you save 35-45% on your electricity bills.
Install a programmable thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat is a simple Do-It-Yourself project. Setting your cooling system 5-6 degree warmer will help you save a significant amount of energy on your air conditioner, especially when you’re away for work. It can help you cut up to 5-20% on energy bill annually. This simple installation and mounting process takes less than an hour and delivers efficient energy saving benefit.