Everyone is trying to save money these days, but going without air conditioning simply isn’t an option in Virginia’s Hampton Roads Region.
If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy bills during the hot and humid days of summer, these tips for efficient home cooling from the HVAC experts at Extreme Climates will help you save without sacrificing comfort.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
A dirty filter can slow air flow, forcing your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home cool and wasting energy. Typically, air filters should be changed every 3 months, but it’s important to check your air filter monthly, especially during heavy use. If the filter looks dirty, change it, even if it’s only been 4 weeks.
In addition to improving energy efficiency, a clean filter can prevent dust and dirt from building up in your HVAC system, which can lead to expensive repairs or premature equipment failure.
Have Your HVAC Serviced Twice Yearly
We know this sounds self-serving, but it truly is in your best interest to have your HVAC system serviced by a professional HVAC technician every spring and fall. Much like a tune-up on your car can improve your gas mileage, regular maintenance on your heating and cooling system can improve efficiency and comfort.
Bi-Annual HVAC maintenance also allows us to identify problems and fix them before they become bigger, more costly repairs – potentially saving you from a system failure on the hottest day of the year.
Seal & Insulate Your Ducts
Sometimes, it’s not your air conditioning unit, but your home’s duct system that’s causing your energy loss. To improve efficiency by as much as 20%, you can have your ducts professionally sealed and insulated, but it’s also a project you can tackle yourself.
Start with the ducts you can see in your attic, crawlspace or unheated basement or garage. Use duct sealant or metal-backed tape to seal the duct seams and connections, and wrap them in insulation to keep them from getting hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
Consider a Smart Thermostat
Upgrading to an ENERGY STAR smart thermostat offers more energy savings, control, insights and convenience than a traditional manual or programmable thermostat. Because smart thermostats are wi-fi enabled, you can adjust temperature and other settings from anywhere with an app on your phone. Some models even include energy usage tracking and learning capabilities for enhanced energy efficiency.
If you’re wondering whether a smart thermostat is the right solution for you, Extreme Climates can explain the different options and features available and, once installed, we’ll show you how to use your new thermostat and help you program it.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
When you’ve tried all the tips and tricks, and your system is still not working efficiently to cool your home, a full replacement or equipment upgrade is often the best solution. This is especially true if your HVAC system is more than 10 years old. Technology has improved significantly over the past decade, and replacing or upgrading to an HVAC unit that has earned the ENERGY STAR certification can save you money on both heating and cooling costs.
Contact Us for Air Conditioning Services in Hampton Roads, VA
If your air conditioning system is costing you a fortune, or it’s failing to efficiently cool your home, Extreme Climates can provide you with a comprehensive inspection and evaluation to determine where the issues are and how we can save you money.
To schedule an air conditioning service in Yorktown, Williamsburg, Gloucester or anywhere in Hampton Roads and the Virginia Peninsula, call (757) 833-0058, or send us a message.