7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring
As the cold winter days become rarer and the inviting warmth of early spring finally graces your neighborhood, you may start thinking about how you’ll keep your home cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is an ideal time to adopt energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the hot months ahead.
Here are seven strategies to implement today, courtesy of the cooling specialists at Rob's Albertan Service Experts.
1. Run Ceiling Fans
If you don’t use your ceiling fans in the summer, you’re missing out on a terrific 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 lets you turn up the thermostat without getting uncomfortable. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so switch them off when you leave to save energy.
2. Be Smart About Windows
On the subject of controlling your home’s temperature, windows can be your best friends or your worst enemies. The key is understanding how to use them correctly based on the weather:
- On cool but sunny days, pull up the blinds to allow the sunshine in so it can warm your home naturally.
- On warmer days, open windows on opposite sides of the dwelling to create a cooling cross-breeze. If allergies are a concern, it’s better to rely on your AC to stop pollen from getting in.
- On hot days, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows to minimize solar heat gain and postpone the need for air conditioning.
3. Cook Your Meals Outdoors
Using the oven or stovetop raises the indoor temperature, making your cooling system work harder and utilize more energy. Make the most of the stunning spring weather by transferring your cooking outdoors. Grilling is a great way to get some fresh air while helping keep your home cool and comfortable. Additionally, when you start grilling season early, you avoid the severe heat and pesky mosquitoes of summer.
4. Spring Clean with a Mission
Spring cleaning is a practice that results in a fresh, tidy home just in time for warmer weather. You may not know, but spring cleaning is also a time to improve your home’s energy efficiency. As you give your home a rigorous cleaning, put emphasis on areas that can impede airflow and, as a result, increase your home’s energy bills. Here are some spaces to tackle:
- • Dust off ceiling fan blades and set them to operate counterclockwise.
- Utilize caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around windows and doors.
- Clean sliding glass door tracks to reduce air leakage.
- Replace the HVAC air filter to help with optimal airflow.
- Remove debris from around the exterior AC unit to increase performance.
- Clean the coils under or behind the refrigerator to minimize the electricity necessary to keep your food cold.
- Dust light fixtures and change older incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
5. Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced
A seasonal AC check-up prepares your cooling system for the summer’s hot sun. Even though you can perform some tasks yourself, such as exchanging the air filter and clearing away obstructions from the outdoor unit, only a pro can clean the evaporator coil, lubricate moving parts and top off the refrigerant. Annual maintenance can go a long ways to help reduce energy use, promote more reliable performance and make your equipment last longer. Set up service with Rob's Albertan Service Experts in the spring to make sure 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. In addition, detailed duct cleaning eliminates debris buildup, helping make sure your home’s air moves smoothly in the system. These ductwork services save power and improve indoor air quality, making your home a more comfortable place to be during the summer.
7. Upgrade for Energy Efficiency
Give some thought to upgrading your HVAC system or major appliances to energy-efficient models this spring. ENERGY STAR-certified products use less energy without sacrificing performance. Upgrades require an investment, but you can expect significant power bill savings and a more comfortable, sustainable home. These improvements also enhance a home’s value if you ever decide to move. Spring is an opportune time for HVAC updates, as contractors are generally less busy, making it easier to arrange the installation at a convenient time for you.
Count on Rob's Albertan Service Experts for Your HVAC Needs in Edmonton this Spring
For assistance carrying out any of these recommendations this spring, turn Rob's Albertan Service Experts. We offer affordable, energy-efficient cooling remedies in Edmonton to save you money all year long. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can count on us to give you comfort and a secure feeling in your home. For skilled service that makes a real difference in your daily life, call 780-800-9047 today!
