Pro Tips for Keeping You Cool for Less
Like most homeowners, there's a chance you're looking for ways to cut costs in half and reduce your energy consumption. And while it may seem like a difficult task to accomplish, it's rather simple to do. The experts at Quality Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical are here to share a few helpful tips (some of which you may already know!) to help you save while staying cool on those hot, hazy Tennessee days!
System-Based Tips
Never Skip Annual Tune-Ups
While central air conditioning tune-up appointments seem like a gimmick, we're pleased to say that they're far from it. Think about it in the same context as visiting your physician at least once a year for a physical examination — an air conditioner tune-up can be looked at in a similar light, except your technician is the "doctor."
During a tune-up appointment (which is ideal to schedule in the spring), your HVAC technician will thoroughly examine the system and ensure that nothing seems out of place. However, if they run into a problem that could hinder the unit's performance — such as a loose or broken part — they'll be able to catch the issue in the nick of time.
This will not only save you an expensive repair down the road but it will help your central air conditioner run much more efficiently, as well as help keep it around for quite some time (typically, they last between 10 to 15 years if properly maintained)!
Make the Switch to a Programmable Thermostat
One of the best gadgets to be introduced on the market is a programmable thermostat. The EPA reports that having one of these devices installed in your home can save about 10 to 35% of energy on your utility bill from the heating and cooling side of things — but how exactly does this device help cut those energy costs in half?
Unlike a traditional thermostat, a programmable model allows homeowners to set a cooling schedule for their humble abodes. Doing this ensures that you won't be chilling an empty household or having your air conditioner on "full blast" at all hours of the day — which can eat away at your energy consumption.
Now, if you want to take energy savings to another level, you may want to consider a smart thermostat. Virtually bearing the same concept as a programmable thermostat, a "learning thermostat" allows you to adjust your air conditioner from a smartphone, computer, or tablet.
Additionally, this thermostat will learn your cooling patterns — being able to craft a customized cooling schedule to your liking, as well as save you even more energy in the long run!
Additional Cooling Tips
If you're looking to maximize your central air conditioner's performance, here are some other ways you can help make that happen with the utmost ease:
Keep Blinds/Curtains Shut During the Day
Sure, it's always nice to let the sun's powerful rays pool into your home — but doing so can create a greenhouse-like effect and increase the temperature. To help prevent this from happening, consider keeping the blinds/curtains closed on the hottest days of the year.
This will help your central air conditioner run at a normal pace, rather than running laps until it has exerted more energy than needed to cool your home.
Change the Direction of Ceiling Fans
If you happen to have a ceiling fan (or a few) present in your home, you'll want to change the direction of the fan's rotation to a counterclockwise motion. Doing this will help the fan circulate and evenly distribute any cool air produced by your central air conditioner.
Consider Cooking Outside More
Like most homeowners, there's a chance you have a grill in your backyard — which is perfect for those summer barbeques. However, even during the week, you should consider cooking your meals in the great outdoors.
As it turns out, when you use your oven or stove in your kitchen, the appliance will create excess heat and turn your already hot home into a sauna. In a conscious effort to avoid this, don't be afraid to start preparing more grill-friendly meals in the yard (but if you're looking to save even more time, considering placing a to-go order at your local restaurant!).