Spring brings budding flowers, warm weather and an increase in air conditioning costs. You shouldn’t have to choose between a comfortably cooled home and money in your pocket. Keep these cost-savings tips in mind as we enter the spring season in Lake County, Florida:
Invest in Landscaping
Investing in landscaping can offer you increased curb appeal and decreased air conditioning costs. When the sun shines directly on your roof and windows, it can cost you more to cool the inside. Surround your home with tall, lush trees that can block some of the sun’s heat on your roof. You can also use dense bushes to block the sun from your windows.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
There are many cost-saving advantages to using a programmable thermostat. Cooling your home when you’re away is a waste of money. A programmable thermostat allows you to adjust your home’s temperature based on the time of day. You can set it to automatically increase when you’re away and then decrease in preparation for your return. Adjusting the thermostat even a few degrees can result in significant cost savings.
Keep Up With Preventative Maintenance
Sometimes it takes money to save money. Even minor problems with your HVAC unit can reduce its efficiency, costing you even more money to comfortably cool your home. Professional preventative maintenance tasks like tune-ups and air duct cleanings can cut your cooling costs while also giving you a more comfortable environment. Tune-ups can also alert you to any potential problems, reducing your chances of experiencing a costly breakdown.
Most professionals recommend changing your air filter at least every three months. But consider changing it more often during the spring months. Dirty air filters can force your unit to work harder. Additionally, homeowners can remove excess dirt and debris from around the HVAC unit, which can also help to improve efficiency. As a result, you’ll not only help prevent poor indoor air quality but also high energy bills.
Upgrade Your HVAC Unit
Newer HVAC units are designed for maximum efficiency. If you do choose to upgrade your unit, make sure you do your research and go with a trusted installation expert. Choosing the best unit for your home requires that we evaluate your home’s structure and cooling needs. As a result, we’ll be able to recommend the best unit for your unique circumstances. It’s also important to have your new unit installed by a professional.
Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help your HVAC unit by circulating the cool air around the house. In fact, when using ceiling fans, you can raise your thermostat a few degrees without noticing the difference. In the spring and summer, make sure your ceiling fans rotate in a counterclockwise direction. As a result, they’ll produce a wind-chill effect. Remember to turn off ceiling fans in empty rooms to save energy.
Inspect Your Insulation
If your home has poor insulation, even the most efficient of units will have a hard time comfortably cooling it. Poorly insulated walls allow the air to escape while also letting in the hot and humid Florida air. Inefficient insulation is common in older homes. But even newer homes can have compromised insulation.
Air loss is also possible through door cracks, windows and attics. You can keep your home’s cool air in by sealing and caulking these release points. Identifying and fixing these spots is a great way to efficiently cool your home without also increasing your home utility costs.
Preparing for the hot spring ahead of time can help you cut down on your home’s air conditioning costs. Call Sun Kool Air Conditioning, Inc. today at (352) 330-1067 to get your air conditioning unit ready for the upcoming spring weather.
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