As the summer temperatures climb in Saraland, Alabama, most homeowners’ energy bills follow suit. If you make a few smart changes to your household habits, however, you can reduce your energy consumption and keep utility bills low. From using a smart thermostat to replacing HVAC filters, discover five ways to use less energy this summer.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
Whether you tend to spend summers at the pool, on the ball field, or at the shore, it’s tough to juggle family activities and your HVAC system. If you rely on a manual thermostat or a low-tech programmable model, upgrading to a smart thermostat lets you maximize energy savings while giving you plenty of flexibility.
After installing a Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat, program your family’s typical schedule into the device as a baseline. When you’re home, you’ll want to set the thermostat to 78 degrees. When everyone is out for the day or asleep for the night, you’ll want to increase the temperature by 8 to 10 degrees, which can help you save 10 percent on your energy bill.
If you decide to stay at the pool longer than expected or if thunderstorms cancel that barbecue, there’s no need to worry about returning to an uncomfortable house. Use your smartphone to delay the air conditioner or turn it on early. If you plan an impromptu beach getaway, you can even set the thermostat to vacation mode from anywhere in the world.
Schedule an Air Conditioner Tuneup
Your HVAC system is one of the biggest energy hogs in your home, so you’ll want to make sure it runs as efficiently as possible, especially during the high-demand summer months. Since air conditioners tend to slow down and become more inefficient as time passes, it’s in your best interest to schedule preventive maintenance as early in the season as possible.
When you call the Air Specialty team for a tuneup, we’ll check fluid levels, test electrical wiring, and clean the indoor and outdoor units. We’ll also change the air filter to improve airflow and alert you to any problems on the horizons to maximize efficiency and to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Maintain Comfortable Humidity Levels
Excess moisture in the air can make anyone feel hot and uncomfortable. When you’re relaxing at home, high humidity might prompt you to turn down the thermostat a few degrees, but this will only force your air conditioner to work harder and use more energy.
Rather than adjusting the temperature, get to the source of the problem instead. Our team recommends a whole-home dehumidifier such as the Performance DEHXX, which works seamlessly with your HVAC system. This device pulls moisture from the air, which helps your air conditioner run more efficiently while keeping you comfortable.
Improve Ventilation
Stale air isn’t uncommon in newer Saraland homes, especially at the height of summer. If stuffy air tempts you to throw open the windows and let in fresh air, however, think again.
Welcoming hot outdoor air into your home can cause your energy consumption to spike as your HVAC system works harder than ever. Instead, invest in an energy-recovery ventilator, which improves indoor air quality, keeps the indoor air fresh, and increases your air conditioner’s efficiency.
Turn On the Ceiling Fans
Investing in an energy-recovery ventilator can substantially reduce your energy consumption, but if you’re in the market for a simpler solution, you still have options. For instance, ceiling fans offer surprising cooling power during the summer months.
To make the most of ceiling fans, install one in the center of each room, and switch the direction to counterclockwise during the cooling season. Turn it on to enjoy the breeze and the windchill effect. Lower your HVAC system’s thermostat as much as 4 degrees and you’ll lower your energy consumption without noticing a difference in comfort. Make sure to keep ceiling fans running only when you’re in the room and want to cool down. When you leave the room for more than a few minutes, turn them off to save energy.
This summer, don’t let your air conditioning bills climb. Call the cooling pros at Air Specialty for more energy-efficient ways to stay cool: (251) 415-4559.
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