4 Ways to Stay Cool and Save Energy This Summer
Georgia summers are dominated by hot and humid weather, presenting homeowners with the challenge of keeping their homes cool while not skyrocketing their energy bills. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to save energy on cooling costs without sacrificing your home’s comfort. Some of these tips are things you can do every day to control energy costs, and others can be achieved with the help of an Atlanta cooling services expert.
Keep Up with HVAC Maintenance
The best time to have your unit serviced is before hot weather hits. A regular maintenance program with an experienced HVAC company will detect and resolve issues before they escalate into costly breakdowns.
In addition to professional maintenance, you can help your AC work more efficiently with DIY tasks. Change the filters regularly — at least once every two months. You should also keep the outdoor unit clear of debris, which can obstruct fan blades and break the unit.
Be Smart About Your Thermostat
The standard recommendation for AC settings in the summer is 78°, with every degree setting lower than that costing you around a 3-4% energy increase. Set your thermostat to the highest temperature you’re comfortable with, and use fans to move cool air across your skin. If you don’t have one, considering investing in a programmable or smart thermostat, which will give you greater control over your energy consumption and lower your bills.
Weather-Proof Your Home
Your air conditioning unit is fighting a losing battle if warm air can leak into your home. Identify any cracks or openings in the walls, door frames, and window frames, and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. Keeping the blinds closed during the day also helps keep unwanted heat out, which helps your AC not have to work as hard to keep the house cool.
Use Appliances Wisely
A hot summer day isn’t the best time to use the oven, which pushes more heat into your home. If you can, saving tasks like laundry and running the dishwasher for night time when the outside air temperature goes down. Air-drying your dishes and running the washing machine on the cold setting will also help keep energy costs down. You should also unplug electronics and appliances when they’re not in use. Otherwise, they silently consume energy while generating unwanted heat.
While energy costs typically rise in summer, there’s many things you can do to get the most out of your HVAC unit without paying a high price. Anytime Heating, Cooling and Plumbing offers expert cooling services to the Atlanta area, including annual maintenance, new system installs, and repairs. Contact us or call 770-504-5881 today to schedule maintenance or learn more about energy-saving options like smart thermostats.