Spring Cooling: 7 Ways to Save on Your AC

As the cold winter days become rarer and the welcome warmth of early spring arrives, you might start thinking about how you’ll keep your residence cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is the perfect time to use energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the hot months ahead.

Here are seven ideas to implement today, courtesy of the pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.

1. Operate Ceiling Fans 

If you never use your ceiling fans in the summer, you’re missing out on an excellent opportunity to increase comfort and energy efficiency. By making the room feel roughly four degrees cooler, the wind chill effect from using a ceiling fan lets you dial up the thermostat without getting uncomfortable. However, fans cool people, not rooms, so switch them off when no one is in the room.

2. Be Smart About Windows 

On the subject of regulating your home’s temperature, windows can be your best friends or your worst enemies. The key is knowing how to use them effectively based on what the temperature is outdoors:

• 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 home to produce a cooling cross-breeze. If allergies are a concern, it’s better to instead run your air conditioning system to prevent pollen from getting in.
• On hot days, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows to lessen solar heat gain and reduce the need for you to run your air conditioner.

3. Cook Your Meals Outdoors

Using the oven or stovetop increases the heat inside your home, making your cooling system work harder and use more energy. Make the most of the beautiful spring weather by moving your cooking outdoors. Grilling is an excellent way to get some fresh air while leaving your house cool and comfortable. In addition, when you start grilling season early, you avoid the extreme heat and bothersome mosquitoes of summer.

4. Spring Clean with a Mission 

Spring cleaning is a habit that results in a fresh, neat home just in time for warmer weather. You may not have heard, but spring cleaning is also a chance to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. As you go through your home and freshen up, concentrate on areas that impact airflow and, as a result, increase your home’s electricity bills. Here are some places to tackle:

• • Wipe down ceiling fan blades and set them to operate counterclockwise.
• Apply caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around windows and doors.
• Clean sliding glass door tracks to minimize air leakage.
• Replace the HVAC air filter to encourage optimal airflow.
• Clear out debris from around the exterior AC unit to increase performance.
• Clean the coils underneath or behind the refrigerator to reduce the power necessary to keep your food cold.
• Clean off light fixtures and exchange old incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.

5. Schedule Routine AC Maintenance

A spring AC check-up prepares your AC for the summer’s high temperatures. While you can perform a few tasks yourself, such as changing the air filter and clearing away obstructions from the outdoor unit, only a professional can clean the evaporator coil, lubricate moving parts and top off the refrigerant. Annual tune-ups can go a long ways to help decrease a home’s electricity usage, promote more reliable performance and lengthen your cooling system’s lifespan. Arrange service with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in the spring so you can be sure that your system is ready to perform at its best when you need it most.

6. Take Care of Your Ducts

Spring is a good time to take a look at your home’s ductwork. Sealing and insulating the ductwork helps conditioned air get to its destination more easily. In addition, a good duct cleaning eliminates debris buildup, making sure air moves smoothly through the system. These ductwork services save electricity and improve indoor air quality, making your home a more enjoyable place to be during the summer.

7. Upgrade for Electricity Efficiency  

Consider upgrading your HVAC system or major appliances to energy-efficient models this spring. ENERGY STAR-certified products use less power without compromising performance. Updates do take an investment, but you can expect significant power bill savings and a more comfortable, sustainable residence. These improvements also improve a home’s value if you ever decide to put the home on the market. Spring is a good time for HVAC updates, as contractors are generally less busy, so that it is easier to schedule the installation at a convenient time for you.   

Count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Fort Lauderdale this Spring 

For support using any of these recommendations this spring, call the pros at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer affordable, energy-efficient cooling services in Fort Lauderdale to save you money all summer long. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can rely on us to give you comfort and a secure feeling in your home. For expert service that makes a real difference in your daily life, call 954-736-4314 today!