When the summer heat hits Chester County, it can take a toll on your energy bills. Your HVAC system can account for a large percentage of your total bill. With this in mind, you may be looking for some great ways to reduce your energy usage this summer. Meade Heating and Cooling in Chester Springs is here to help. Check out these 15 useful ways to save on your energy bills and then contact Meade Heating and Cooling for any extra help you may need.
1. Adjust Your Thermostat
Every degree you turn your thermostat back can help you save significantly. The amount you can save depends on your specific air conditioner as well as the size of the area you are trying to cool. While you want to save as much energy as possible, you also want your family to be as comfortable. With this in mind, you need to find the right balance for your household. If you are unsure where to start, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78°F.
You can also save by adjusting your thermostat appropriately throughout the day. When no one is home, you will want to turn back the thermostat to save more energy. However, it is important that you do not turn it off completely. If your home lets too much heat in, it will cause your air conditioner to use more energy to get your home’s temperature back to where it started initially. Stick to about a 7-10°F difference.
2. Humidity Control
Humidity plays a role in how hot you feel. When the humidity is high you will feel warmer. When the humidity levels are low you will feel colder. This is because humidity affects how quickly sweat will evaporate off of your skin. If your home feels hot and sticky consider getting a dehumidifier. With lower humidity, you will be comfortable even when the temperature is a little higher.
3. Programmable Thermostat
As mentioned above, turning back your thermostat while no one is home is a great way to save energy. A programmable thermostat is a convenient tool that can help you perform this task on a daily basis. All you have to do is program the thermostat once; then the thermostat will follow the programmed schedule routinely. You won’t need to remember to set your thermostat every day. You can spend your time and energy on other important matters. Talk to Meade Heating and Cooling about installing a programmable thermostat in your Chester County home.
4. Replace/Clean Air Filter
When your air filter is covered with too much dust, it can block the airflow. When this happens, your air conditioner has to run for a longer period of time to reach your desired temperature. This wastes energy.
Be sure to clean or replace your filter when necessary. Standard 1” filters generally need to be changed on a monthly basis. Other filters can last longer, but it is a good idea to check them on a monthly basis anyway. When it is covered in a layer of dust, it is time to clean or replace the filter.
5. Insulate Your Home
Cracks and openings in your home can let in the hot summer air. Insulating your home can help keep the hot air out and the cool air in by creating an extra barrier to prevent the exchange of air. There are three main types of insulation you can use: fiberglass, cellulose, and foam insulation. Common areas that you may want to focus on include your attic, basement, and garage.
6. Doors and Windows
When insulating your home, you also want to pay attention to your doors and windows. If you are installing new windows or doors, opt for an energy-efficiency brand. If you are not ready to upgrade your windows, curtains, blinds, or drapes are a more cost-effective solution. You can also buy an insulation strip to cover gaps beneath doors.
7. Identify Heat Sources and Remove Them
You may have multiple appliances around your Chester Springs home that produce heat. If possible, avoid using these appliances during the summer months or limit their use. These appliances include ovens, stoves, dishwashers, washers, dryers, lights, and televisions. Some good solutions include:
- Cooking dinner on the outside grill.
- Drying clothing outside.
- Wash dishes by hand.
- Use natural light for daily activities whenever possible.
- Find entertainment activities that don’t require electronics.
8. Spend More Time Outside
If it’s not too hot, spend some time outside instead of depending on your air conditioner. You can visit a pool, get some ice cream, visit an amusement park, or head to the beach. If you don’t want to be outside, you can also find cool places to visit outside of your home such as the mall, the library, or a restaurant. Overall, if you can find a way to get out of the house, you can give your air conditioner a break and save some energy.
9. Spend Time Downstairs
Even if you want to stay in your home, you can still find ways to save. Heat rises. Therefore, the lower levels of your home are usually a few degrees cooler and might be more comfortable. By dwelling in the cooler areas of your home, you can avoid the need to turn up the AC.
10. Ensure Proper Air Flow
Ensuring proper airflow will help ensure that cool air goes where you want it. If you notice warm or cold spots around your home, this is likely something that you will want to work on.
- Make sure that your air vents and return air ducts are not blocked by furniture.
- Get your air ducts cleaned.
- Install fans or ventilators, if necessary.
- Open windows when it is nice out.
- Install a home zoning system.
The professionals at Meade Heating and Cooling can install a home zoning system for you. These systems use dampers in the air ducts to direct air where you want it to go. For instance, if it is nighttime and you want more cool air in your 2nd-floor bedroom, a home zoning system can do just that.
11. Use Fans
Fans are a cost-effective way to cool off. While they can’t change the temperature of your home like an air conditioner, they can help blow sweat off of your skin. This helps you feel cooler. If you have a ceiling fan, make sure that it is spinning in a counterclockwise position during summer.
12. Plant Trees to Shade Your Home
Sunlight coming in your windows can add a significant amount of heat to your home. If any of your windows are letting in a lot of light, consider planting a tree to help shade your home. This can naturally help reduce the amount of heat in your home.
13. Install Solar Panels
Solar panels are an alternative fuel source that can help reduce your energy bills over time. Instead of burning natural gas or consuming electricity, you can take advantage of the sun’s energy. Solar panels can generate their own power using energy from the sun. While the initial cost of purchasing and installing solar panels can be pricey, solar panels can greatly offset your energy bills over time.
14. Schedule Preventative Maintenance Regularly
Preventative maintenance is important as it allows you to catch small issues before they turn into major problems. By scheduling maintenance with Meade Heating and Cooling at least two times a year, you can help ensure that your air conditioner is running at maximum efficiency. When you schedule preventative maintenance with Meade, a professional HVAC technician will inspect, clean, and adjust your air conditioner for you. They will also alert you to any necessary repairs and fix them with your permission.
15. Replace Old Equipment
As time passes, HVAC technology continues to improve. If your air conditioner is older, consider updating your system. Likewise, if any parts are rusted, broken, or loose, get them taken care of as well. With a new system and new parts, your HVAC system will run smoothly so that you can reduce your energy bills.
Ready to save on your energy bills this summer? Contact Meade Heating and Cooling in Chester Springs, PA to get started! You can call us at (610) 590-9632 or contact us through our website. We will help you ensure your family is comfortable while you save this summer.
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