Earth Day is here and it’s the ideal time to reflect on how eco-friendly you are and to assess areas for improvement. Being eco-conscious is not only good for the planet, but it’s also good for your wallet. Why is that? Because as a homeowner, the decisions you make regarding your home’s systems that require energy to run can either cost a lot or save you money.
Did you know that your home’s HVAC systems account for 46% of your home’s energy use? That’s almost half! That’s why it really pays to examine on this Earth Day just how much you use your AC and to think of ways you can help your air conditioner work as efficiently as possible. Let’s look at eight small ways you can increase your AC’s efficiency to produce big results.
1. Schedule Annual AC Maintenance
Hands down, this is the best way to ensure your AC is running at peak efficiency. An HVAC technician will run through a long list of items to make sure your AC is a well-oiled machine–literally. Maintenance really does maximize your AC’s performance which results in low energy use. Spring is also the ideal time to schedule AC maintenance in Winder, GA.
2. Change the Air Filter
This is an easy DIY maintenance task that all homeowners can and should be doing themselves. Change or clean your AC filter every 1-3 months during the cooling season to help your AC work at maximum efficiency.
3. Set the Thermostat to 78° F in Summer
We know the temptation to set that thermostat at a balmy 72° is tempting, but we don’t recommend it. The lower you set your AC, the more energy it’s wasting. Dress lightly at home and set the thermostat to 78° in the summer. It’s the eco-friendly option!
4. Use Ceiling Fans
If your home has ceiling fans, make sure you’re using them on hot days to bring cool air up to where you’ll feel it at face level. Ceiling fans should turn counterclockwise in the summer.
5. Close the Shades & Curtains
On sunny days, keep those shades and curtains drawn in rooms you’re not using. That’ll help decrease the temperature of rooms that aren’t in use anyway.
6. Check the Indoor & Outdoor Units
In order for your indoor and outdoor units to work efficiently, they need a 2-foot perimeter that’s free of objects for optimal airflow. Cut down the grass around the outdoor unit if it’s grown high and make sure nothing is being stored around the indoor unit.
7. Schedule Duct Testing
Here’s an alarming statistic. Did you know that as much as 30% of the conditioned air that comes from your AC can be lost due to leaks in ductwork? Duct testing is an easy service we can perform to assess the air-tightness of your ducts.
8. Choose a High-Efficiency AC
When it’s time for a new air conditioner, it pays to go with a high-efficiency model. Although the upfront cost is more, you’ll reap the benefits of saving money on your utility bills for as long as you own it.
Contact the team at American Comfort Heating and Cooling to schedule AC maintenance. Bringing Comfort to America, One Home at a Time.
