Stay Cool: 7 Energy-Efficient Ways to Cool Down in Spring
As icy winter days become rarer and the welcome warmth of early spring takes hold, you very well could start thinking about how you’ll keep your residence cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is the perfect time to implement energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the warmer months ahead.
Here are seven ideas to implement today, courtesy of the professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.
1. Operate Ceiling Fans
If you never use your ceiling fans in the summer, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to increase comfort and energy efficiency. By making the room feel around four degrees cooler, the wind chill effect from operating a ceiling fan enables you to dial up the thermostat without feeling too hot. Just remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so switch them off when you leave to save energy.
2. Be Smart Around Windows
With regards to managing your home’s temperature, windows can be your best friends or your worst enemies. The difference between the two is understanding how to use them effectively based on what the temperature is outdoors:
- On cool but sunny days, raise the blinds to allow the sunshine in so it can warm your home naturally.
- On very warm days, open windows on opposite sides of the dwelling to produce a cooling cross-breeze. If allergies are a concern, it’s better to instead run your air conditioning system to protect against pollen from getting in.
- On hot days, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows to reduce solar heat gain and delay the need for home cooling.
3. Cook Outside
Using the oven or stovetop can make your home hotter, making your cooling system work harder and use more power. Make the most of the lovely spring weather by taking your cooking outdoors. Grilling is a terrific way to get some fresh air while helping keep your residence cool and comfortable. Additionally, when you start grilling season early, you avoid the intense heat and bothersome mosquitoes of summer.
4. Spring Clean with Efficiency in Mind
Spring cleaning is a habit that offers a fresh, tidy home just in time for warmer weather. You may not know, but spring cleaning is also a chance to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. As you give your home a rigorous cleaning, put emphasis on spaces that impact airflow and, as a result, increase your home’s electricity bills. Here are some areas to tackle:
- • Wipe down ceiling fan blades and set them to rotate counterclockwise.
- Apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around windows and doors.
- Clean sliding glass door tracks to lower the amount of air leakage.
- Replace the HVAC air filter to prompt optimal airflow.
- Rake away debris from around the outside AC unit to improve performance.
- Clean the coils beneath or behind the refrigerator to minimize the energy needed to keep your food cold.
- Wipe down light fixtures and exchange older incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
5. Schedule Routine AC Maintenance
A springtime AC check-up prepares your air conditioner for the summer’s hot sun. Although you can do some tasks yourself, such as changing the air filter and clearing away obstructions from the outdoor unit, only a skilled specialist can clean the evaporator coil, lubricate moving parts and top off the refrigerant. Annual check-ups can go a long ways to help decrease a home’s electricity consumption, promote more reliable performance and make your equipment last longer. Arrange service with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in the spring so you can be sure that your system is ready to its best when you need it most.
6. Don’t Forget Your Ducts
Spring is the ideal time to evaluate your home’s ductwork. Sealing and insulating the ductwork helps conditioned air reach its destination more effectively. Then, a good duct cleaning removes debris buildup, making sure air moves smoothly through the system. These ductwork services save electricity and improve indoor air quality, making your home a more comfortable place to be during the summer.
7. Upgrade for Power Efficiency
Consider upgrading your HVAC system or major appliances to energy-efficient models this spring. ENERGY STAR-certified products use less energy without losing performance. Improvements do take an investment, but you can expect substantial power bill savings and a more comfortable, sustainable dwelling. These improvements also increase a home’s value if you ever decide to sell the residence. Spring is the right time for HVAC updates, as contractors are usually less busy, which makes it easier to set up the installation at a convenient time for you.
Count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Fort Lauderdale this Spring
For support implementing any of these suggestions this spring, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We deliver affordable, energy-efficient cooling solutions in Fort Lauderdale to save you money all year long. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can count on us to deliver comfort and a secure feeling in your home. For excellent service that makes a real difference in your daily life, call 954-736-4314 today!