Energy-Efficient Cooling: Tips for a Greener Virginia Summer
Energy-Efficient Cooling: Tips for a Greener Virginia Summer
Colleen Shumaker - 6/13/2024
During the hot summer months, your family likely relies heavily on your home’s cooling system to stay comfortable. Unfortunately, if you’re not careful with your energy usage, you can rack up a high bill at your local utility company. Fortunately, with the tips that we’re going to share, you can do your best to optimize your cooling system’s energy usage to keep your summertime utility bills in check.
Get Professional Maintenance Service
One of the best things you can do to ensure that your air conditioning system is working at peak efficiency all season long is to get professional maintenance service. You should schedule this in the springtime to guarantee that it’s ready when the hot summer weather arrives. Your HVAC professional will be able to identify and remedy any potential problems, clean your system, and check its electrical connections.
Keep Your Air Filter Clean
An important part of your cooling system is its air filter. This filter works to remove unwanted airborne allergens from your indoor air, such as pollen, pet dander, and dust. When your air filter gets too full, it will drastically reduce the performance of your cooling system. You should opt to check your air filter every couple of weeks and have spare filters on hand so you can quickly replace a dirty one.
Supplement With Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great addition to any home heating or cooling system. In the summertime, you want your fan to spin in a counterclockwise direction so that it forces air down onto you. This “wind-chill effect” will help to wick away sweat on your body and make you feel cooler. The cooler you feel, the higher you can set your thermostat to reduce your AC system’s runtime throughout the day. Consider putting a ceiling fan in each main room of your home.
Block Out Direct Sunlight
If you’ve ever sat out in the sun, you know just how hot it can be. As the direct sunlight pours into your home, it will heat up your indoor temperature. Then, your air conditioner will need to run to get the temperature back down. Blocking out unwanted sunlight can help to prevent this conundrum from happening in the first place. Consider using blinds, curtains, shading foliage, or even a UV-resistant window film to keep that direct sunlight out of your home.
Ensure Your Vents Are Free From Obstructions
One pesky situation that can reduce the amount of cold air that gets delivered to your room is a blocked vent. The air vents throughout each room of your home need to be clear off obstructions to work properly. Take some time to walk through your home at least once a month and ensure that there’s a good three feet of open space around each air vent so it can work effectively.
Eliminate Air Leaks
Over time, the exterior walls of your home can produce air gaps that can let air from the outside penetrate your home. This commonly occurs near your doors, windows, outlets, and light switches. A good idea is to assess each potential area to see if you notice a difference in air temperature. If so, you’ll want to seal up the air leak. You can use weatherstripping and caulking for door and window leaks. For outlet and light switches, you can use specialized foam inserts to block the air leak.
Use Exhaust Fans
Excess moisture is your worst enemy when it comes to the hot summer weather. When humidity levels are high, your body is unable to get rid of its sweat. This can leave you feeling overheated and turning your thermostat further down to compensate. The best way to prevent high humidity inside your home is to use exhaust fans. When you run your stove, use the rangehood to divert any steam straight to the outdoors. When taking a shower, use your bathroom exhaust fan to get rid of that excess moisture in the air as quickly as possible.
Quality Cooling Service
Eagles HVAC Services offers quality AC services for the entire Fairfax, VA area. Our expert technicians are always ready to assist you with all of your heating, ductless mini-split, indoor air quality, HVAC zoning, ductwork, and water heater needs. Simply give our office a buzz today to schedule your next service consultation.