Increasing Air Conditioning Energy Efficiency

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As hot weather arrives, the days get longer, our sleeves get shorter and your energy bill is sure to get higher. The fear of high temperatures is known as thermophobia, and it’s something nearly everyone experiences to some degree due to air conditioning costs. Summer in Minnesota doesn’t last very long, so it’s best to embrace the warmer weather. Wondering how to keep your energy bills low? A few small changes in and around your home can make a big difference.

Install Window Screens

A home without windows would be extremely energy efficient, but that’s not a place anyone would want to live. Windows make your space bright and inviting, but the light they let in is the largest source of heat in the home. If there’s no shade to get in the way of strong sun rays, your home will feel like an oven, and cooling a sweltering home takes loads of energy. Stop the sun in its tracks with meshed window screens. These shades intercept up to 70% of incoming solar energy before it reaches your interior. Even better, they help to keep those pesky bugs outdoors when your windows are open.

Set Higher Temperatures When Away

Unless you have pets that you need to keep comfortable, you can cut a big chunk from your energy bill by keeping your home temperature higher when you’re away. It’s interesting that so many homeowners turn the lights off when leaving a room, but will leave their HVAC system running at full steam when they head out of the house for the day. Even if you’re the type of person who prefers convenience to frugalness, you can get the best of both worlds with a smart thermostat system. These handy gadgets allow you to set the thermostat to match your schedule and many have accompanying mobile apps that make them even easier to use.

Maintain Your HVAC Unit

It can’t be stressed enough that regular maintenance to your home’s HVAC system is one of the best ways to save energy over time.  Your air conditioner will have to chug harder if it’s pushing air through a dirty filter. Change your filter every 4-6 weeks to get a strong and smooth flow of air through your vents. When you regularly have professionals to take a look at your system, you can avoid breakdowns that leave you without AC for an extended period. Repairs after something goes wrong are almost always more expensive than preventative maintenance ­– and the peace of mind is priceless.

Adjust Air Speeds

When the weather is humid, lowing the speed of your AC fan improves the comfort of your home and allows you to save money. It might seem counterintuitive, but when the air moves slowly through your equipment, the system can remove a larger amount of air moisture. Keep an eye on weather reports, because you’re going to want to crank your system’s speed back up again as soon as humidity levels drop back down.

However you decide to save money, your comfort should always be your top priority. It’s simply not worth it to save a few dollars and feel muggy in your home. We’ve discussed a few ways to save on your energy bill, now it’s your turn to make a few changes that will make this an affordable summer. Now is the perfect time to get started! Are you curious about how to get even more out of your HVAC system? Don’t sweat it – Check out our FAQ page to learn more.

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