Looking for ways to reduce energy costs in your home this summer? Follow these simple tips before the temperature outside starts to rise to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
Even though Minnesota is known for extreme cold weather, we all know things in Minneapolis and St. Paul Metro can get hot and humid. With this in mind, we've compiled a short list of ways to prepare for the summer heat.
Reduce Air Conditioner Usage
Our first tip is the most obvious one. This starts by optimizing your thermostat settings: Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when you're away or asleep, and use programmable thermostats to regulate temperatures effectively. This is made much easier by installing a programmable thermostat, which can save up to 20%. Simply setting the thermostat to be at a high setting (such as 85 degrees) whenever the home is going to be empty. Certain smart thermostats can do this automatically by sensing when you are at home. These smart thermostats use the outside temperature reading to maintain a proper air temperature inside.
We also recommend utilizing natural cooling methods: Close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day to block out sunlight and use ceiling fans to circulate air for a cooling effect without relying solely on air conditioning.
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.
It may be time to make the leap and upgrade to energy-efficient appliances. Invest in appliances with high Energy Star ratings, particularly for air conditioners and fans, to reduce electricity consumption.
Finally, it's essential to maintain your HVAC systems with routine cleanings and annual checks. Even though the unit is working without errors, it is still vital for energy consumption if it performs at its optimum levels. Schedule a professional to come and check your air-conditioning system before the hot weather hits to ensure the cooling system is operating efficiently. This can reduce energy consumption and drastically prolong the unit's lifespan.
Maintain Your Home Comfort System
A properly maintained home cooling system can save you money over time and keep you from disastrous, unexpected repair costs. Schedule your seasonal check-up with Owens Companies and make sure there are no issues on the horizon for your unit this summer.
Learn more about the advantages of an Owens seasonal preventive maintenance agreement by visiting our page: https://www.owenscompanies.com/seasonal-preventive-maintenance
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