Ways to Improve Air Conditioning Efficiency
Even after adding up all of the electronics, kitchen equipment, and home lighting, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that well over half of the energy consumption in the average home is a result of heating and cooling. It’s no wonder that heating and cooling a house can be a real budget buster. Whether a homeowner is in a brand new house or living in a dreamy craftsman style they have always wanted, every single one is looking for ways to save on energy costs by making their home more efficient.
What Can Be Done to Improve Air Conditioning Efficiency?
Improving the efficiency of an air conditioner can really add up to big savings over time. It will help to avoid unexpected spikes in energy bills, and it’s good for Mother Nature.
A Damper Upgrade
“Upgrade the what?” Many people don’t even know there is more than one kind of damper. The fireplace is an unavoidable factor in a home’s energy efficiency, and the damper is just like a door in a home: if it isn’t sealed tight, air is free to enter and exit at will. The best way to upgrade a damper is to upgrade to a top sealing damper. This is an energy-saver that pays for itself. Top sealing dampers close tight and help prevent water and critters from getting into the chimney and causing damage. These dampers are available at home improvement stores or you can order them online.
Programmable Thermostats
Installing a programmable thermostat can reduce home energy costs. Unlike manual thermostats, programmable thermostats can be customized to a home’s heating and cooling needs. The homeowner can use less energy when no one else is in the house, then gradually and efficiently return the home to a preferred comfort level automatically.
But they don’t program themselves! “Permanent Hold” doesn’t help with monthly electric bills. Many homeowners have programmable thermostats, but they haven’t taken the time to actually program them. If a digital thermostat is just “on” all the time until it is “off,” then the home is missing out on big savings. Anyone who upgrades to a programmable thermostat should take the time to learn to program it to meet family needs. This will not only translate into better comfort, it means a few extra dollars to spend on buying that new top sealing damper.
Regular Filter Changes
Hands down, one of the best ways to keep an AC functioning properly is to change the HVAC air filter every three months. That way the air conditioner won’t work harder than it should. Clogged up filters are a drag on the system and may negatively affect a home’s air quality.
Air Conditioning Efficiency Is Important
The air conditioning and heating efficiency in a home are important for a household budget. But more importantly, they can be crucial for the health of people in the home. Keeping up to date on regular maintenance also make a huge difference in savings.
Contact Yost & Campbell Heating, Cooling & Generators today to work with an exceptional air conditioning contractor in Eastchester!
