It’s time to welcome spring with open arms. Plants are coming back to life, flowers are blooming, and everything is awash in vivid colors. People are also shedding layers in favor of more comfortable outfits. These are pleasant changes after going through the bleak winter months.
However, as spring gives way to summer, it also means increasing dependence on the air conditioner. Feeling comfortable indoors is vital; however, no one wants the energy bill that accompanies it.
Energy Saving Tips To Use In The Spring & Summer
Here are some tips on how to save energy for the sake of the environment and your wallet:
1. Seal The Cracks To Prevent Air Leaks
If there are cracks around the perimeter of the house, then hot air will sneak in and warm up the interiors. The AC will then have to work overtime to keep the indoor temperature comfortable. By doing so, it will consume more energy than it should, and you end up paying higher utility bills. Use caulk to seal any leaks that you may find. These are usually present around windows, wiring holes, recessed lights, and plumbing vents.
2. Tune Up The AC For Better Efficiency
The performance of air conditioners degrade over time as dust, dirt, and wear and tear take their toll on your HVAC equipment. Although your cooling system can still get the job done, it will have a harder time and require a more significant amount of energy. This aging process can be slowed down through regular maintenance work. Schedule a professional AC tune-up this spring so that the unit will be ready for the grueling summer.
3. Keep A Mild Thermostat Setting
Pay attention to the temperature setting of the AC. A lot of people overestimate their need for cooling and take a very aggressive approach with the thermostat. Again, this will only make the system work harder than necessary. The consensus among experts is that 78 degrees Fahrenheit should be enough to provide comfort while helping the homeowners save on energy costs. You can go even higher for more savings.
4. Go Natural Whenever It Is Possible
Early spring is still relatively cool so there might not be a need to use the cooling system yet. In many areas, it only gets hot midday so the AC can be turned off from dusk until dawn. Homeowners can depend on natural ventilation throughout the night by opening the windows. Just close them up again in the morning before turning on the air conditioning.
5. Clean Up The Refrigerator
Aside from the AC, the fridge is one of the most power-hungry household appliances. Any plan to reduce consumption should involve ways to optimize this unit. It is best to begin with a thorough clean-up. Remove the dust surrounding the coils, take out the excess food from the fridge, wipe the door seals, and defrost to melt the frozen walls. All of these should help the unit use less energy, enjoy better ventilation, and close more tightly than before.
6. Acquire Energy Efficient Replacements
As for old appliances, it may be time to look for their replacements. Those that have been giving you problems, needing multiple repairs and hogging energy should be retired to reduce long-term expenditure. Newer models tend to have more efficient designs and better reliability. The initial outlay may be high, but the cost of ownership is much lower.
7. Consider Outdoor Cooking
Cooking often means heating a mix of ingredients. Unfortunately, the heat generated is not confined to the kitchen. Warm air will circulate around the house and cause the AC to work double-time. While it is almost impossible to avoid cooking in the kitchen, alternative methods such as using the microwave and cooking outdoors may be pursued to ease the pressure on the AC.
Conclusion
The professional NATE-certified HVAC techs at Point Bay Fuel are friendly, skilled, and capable of performing a variety of services on your HVAC system.
By working with Point Bay Fuel as your HVAC professional, you can expect service that goes above and beyond your expectations. We offer high-quality HVAC repairs, tuneups, installations, and more. Every NATE-certified contractor we employ has the experience and training to ensure that your HVAC system performs optimally, efficiently, and improves your indoor air quality. In addition, we offer the most competitively HVAC service costs in the local area.
Take advantage of our free, in-home estimates. Call our office to schedule an appointment. Click here to contact us now or call us at (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists!
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Spring is one of the most beautiful times of the year. It’s a break from the winter cold. The flowers start blooming, and you get to enjoy the warm spring sunshine.
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It’s always wise to avoid putting things off. That advice goes double for home 
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As you probably know, your 
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Holes and gaps in your ducts let particulate pollutants including allergens, pollen, and dust to bypass your unit’s air filter and circulate throughout your home, compromising your indoor air quality. Even worse, poor indoor air quality can cause myriad health problems including, among others, stuffy noses, allergies, asthma, and respiratory problems. At the same time, holes and gaps in your ducts can spread mold spores throughout your house, leading to a mold infestation. If you notice holes and gaps in your ductwork system, you should replace your ducts as soon as possible to avoid compromising your indoor air quality.