The recent Star Tribune article about ways to save you money on home cooling maintenance this summer was, to be frank, really bad. We want to make sure our customers know that you can cut back on expenses and still remain comfortable. Follow these simple tips when the temperature starts to rise.
Reduce Air Conditioner Usage
Our first tip is the most obvious one. This starts with a programmable thermostat which alone can save up to 20%. Simply set the thermostat to be at a high setting (such as 85 degrees) whenever the home is going to be empty. Smart thermostats, such as the ecobee, can do this automatically by sensing when you are at home. Using the outside temperature reading, the ecobee maintains a proper air temperature inside.
Keep the sun out
Close blinds and drapes before you leave for work. This will minimize the suns ability to heat your house while you are gone, and in turn will leave your AC unit off longer. Trees and shrubs covering portions of the house can provide protection from the sun before it reaches your windows.
Double Check your Fan Direction
Fan direction matters. The proper fan direction can make an especially noticeable difference on days with extreme temperatures. This can allow you to raise your thermostat setting, while still remaining comfortable and saving money on utility bills.
Check your Dryer
Aside from your HVAC system, dryers consume the next most amount of power in your household and can make the temperature inside your home rise when in use. Make sure that your dryer vent is tightly sealed and vents to the outside of your home and not into your attic.
Maintain Your Home Comfort System
A properly maintained home cooling system can save your money over time and keep you from a disastrous last minute expense. Schedule your seasonal check up with Owens Companies and make sure there are no issues on the horizon for your unit this summer.
Have any more ideas on how to keep your home cool this summer? Visit our Facebook page and share your thoughts on summer home cooling.