'Tired of high energy bills and repeatedly calling for air conditioning service in your Villanova, PA home? Your system may be working overtime courtesy of your bad habits. Save money on your air conditioning while increasing comfort in your home with the help of these helpful cooling practices:
- Get the most out of thermostat settings.
For efficient operation and energy savings, HVAC units require continual adjustment. Adding a programmable thermostat makes this job a snap, adjusting your home to a comfortable 78°F when you are home, and raising temperatures while you are away. It also helps curtail bad habits, like cranking your thermostat to a colder setting when you first get home, which does not, in fact, cool things down any faster but instead results in excess cooling and energy expenses. Techno-phobic? Rest assured, the latest in affordable learning or “smart” thermostat technology doesn't even require programming, and can be operated from your mobile phone. - Stop shirking your maintenance duties.
That nasty filter won’t change itself, and it can cause excess energy use and wear on system components as your system struggles to force air through its clogged surface. Skip needless HVAC repair costs and mark your calendar to change the air filter regularly – every 3 months, at a minimum. Additionally, don’t neglect annual routine maintenance before times of peak use, such as fall or spring, to ensures efficiency and proper operation. Neglected internal components and improper coolant levels are just as detrimental to your system as air filter maintenance. - Enlist the help of your fans.
Ceiling, box, and rotating fans can keep you more comfortable, allowing you to raise thermostat settings 4°F without losing comfort thanks to the “wind chill effect.” They also help better circulate conditioned air through your home. Just remember: Fans cool people, not rooms – so turn them off when you leave. - Force the issue.
Enlist the help of an air conditioning company you can trust to install a whole house fan in your attic. Best used in the early morning and late evening when temperatures are cooler, whole house fans draw cool air in and force hot air out through attic vents to help reduce air conditioning use. - Tie-up loose ends.
Properly secure leaky, poorly insulated ductwork, and address air leaks around windows and doors. These can add up to the equivalent of a constantly open window. - Stop fighting physics.
Rearrange furniture to prevent blockages of vents and registers that can destroy comfort and efficiency. - Live in harmony with nature.
If you live in a climate where evenings cool, turn off your system at night to sleep, then close-up your home in the morning, shutting windows and blinds to capture cool air and block out solar heat gain. - Avoid heat buildup.
Opt for cool LEDs and compact fluorescents over super-hot incandescents. Avoid using ovens, dryers, and dishwashers during the hottest part of the day. If you must cook, use your microwave or outdoor grill instead.
Can’t stand the heat? Kick it to the curb with the help of your friendly, Villanova area cooling experts. Contact H & H Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. today.
