7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring
As chilly winter days become rarer and the mild warmth of early spring arrives, you very well could start thinking about how you’ll keep your living space cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is an ideal time to adopt energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the hotter months ahead.
Here are seven things to implement today, courtesy of the professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Run Ceiling Fans
If you haven’t used your ceiling fans in the summer, you’re missing out on a terrific opportunity to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. By making the room feel roughly four degrees cooler, the wind chill effect from operating a ceiling fan enables you to dial up the thermostat without feeling too hot. However, fans cool people, not rooms, so switch them off when no one is in the room.
2. Be Smart With Your Windows
In terms of controlling your home’s temperature, windows can be your best friends or your worst enemies. The magic is understanding how to use them effectively based on how warm or cold it is outside:
- On cool but sunny days, elevate the blinds to let the sunshine in and warm your home naturally.
- On warmer days, open windows on opposite sides of the home to generate a cooling cross-breeze. If allergies are a concern, it’s better to use your AC to protect against pollen from getting in.
- On hot days, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain and reduce the need for air conditioning.
3. Cook Your Meals Outdoors
Using the oven or stovetop can make your home hotter, making your cooling system work harder and use more power. Reap the benefits of the beautiful spring weather by moving your cooking outdoors. Grilling is an excellent way to get some fresh air while helping keep your residence cool and comfortable. Plus, when you start grilling season early, you avoid the intense heat and irritating mosquitoes of summer.
4. Spring Clean Strategically
Spring cleaning is a tradition that provides a fresh, tidy home just in time for warmer weather. You may not realize it, but spring cleaning is also an opportunity to improve your home’s energy efficiency. As you deep-clean your home, put emphasis on areas that can impede airflow and, as a result, increase your home’s energy bills. Here are some spaces to tackle:
- • Wipe down ceiling fan blades and set them to run counterclockwise.
- Use caulk or weatherstripping to close leaks around windows and doors.
- Clean sliding glass door tracks to lower the amount of air leakage.
- Exchange the HVAC air filter to help with optimal airflow.
- Clear out debris from around the outdoor AC unit to increase performance.
- Clean the coils beneath or behind the refrigerator to reduce the power needed to keep your food cold.
- Clean off light fixtures and replace old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
5. Schedule Routine AC Maintenance
A springtime AC check-up prepares your cooling system for the summer’s high temperatures. Even though you can do a few tasks yourself, such as switching out the air filter and clearing away obstructions from the outdoor unit, only a skilled specialist can clean the evaporator coil, lubricate moving parts and top off the refrigerant. Annual check-ups can go a long ways to help lower energy consumption, promote more reliable performance and lengthen your cooling system’s lifespan. Schedule service with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in the spring to ensure your system is ready to its best when you need it most.
6. Take Care of Your Ducts
Spring is always a great time to address your home’s ductwork. Sealing and insulating the ductwork helps conditioned air get to its destination more efficiently. In addition, a good duct cleaning gets rid of debris buildup, ensuring air moves smoothly through the system. These ductwork services save energy and improve indoor air quality, making your home a more enjoyable place to be during the summer.
7. Upgrade for Electricity Efficiency
Contemplate upgrading your HVAC system or major appliances to energy-efficient models this spring. ENERGY STAR-certified products use less electricity without compromising performance. Improvements do take an investment, but you can expect significant energy bill savings and a more comfortable, sustainable home. These improvements also enhance a home’s value if you ever decide to put the home on the market. Spring is a good time for HVAC updates, as contractors are usually less busy, making it easier to schedule the installation at a convenient time for you.
Count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Fort Lauderdale this Spring
For support implementing any of these recommendations this spring, call the pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer affordable, energy-efficient cooling remedies in Fort Lauderdale to save you money all summer long. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can count on us to give you comfort and peace of mind. For professional service that makes an impact on your daily life, call 954-736-4314 today!