Summer is still a few days away, yet you’re probably already running your air conditioner more often. You’re also probably worrying about how this will impact your energy bills. In today’s post, let one of the most trusted Tacoma air conditioning companies, All Seasons Inc., share tips on how to save on your cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.
A smart thermostat can help you get the most out of your HVAC system, but even a basic programmable thermostat, with the right settings, can result in energy savings. Setting the temperature to 78 degrees can reduce the workload on your air conditioner significantly while keeping your home comfortable. If your household follows a daily work-home routine, a single-cycle programmable thermostat can be set to a few degrees higher when you’re away to further reduce the air conditioner’s output.
Contrary to what many people think, the ceiling fan and air conditioner is not an either/or situation — in fact, running them at the same time can improve air conditioner efficiency. When spinning counterclockwise, the ceiling fan creates airflow that draws air from the ground up. Since cool air tends to sink, the rising airflow pushes cool air towards the ceiling, cooling the room faster. Most ceiling fans have a switch that reverses the spin direction, allowing what furnace companies recommend during the winter season: pushing down warm air from the ceiling.
Paying for maintenance appointments may sound counterintuitive, but it actually helps avoid greater expenses down the road. Maintenance inspections allow HVAC technicians to identify signs of a potential problem, like unusual wear on certain components, or the beginnings of a refrigerant leak. Fixing these problems early means you won’t have to call for a service appointment because your air conditioner isn’t cooling properly or has unexpectedly broken down.
The air filter traps indoor air pollutants such as dust and pollen. They get filled to capacity in about three months on average, which varies depending on the household’s daily HVAC usage. A full air filter can block airflow in your HVAC system, which causes an increase in its workload with a corresponding increase in energy consumption. Fortunately, air filters are inexpensive, can be purchased virtually anywhere, and are designed to be user-replaceable, just make sure you buy the same size as your old one. For ductless mini-split systems, the air filters are washable and can be easily removed and replaced.
All Seasons Inc. is one of the most trusted HVAC and electric panel companies serving Gig Harbor and Tacoma, WA. If you need help with your air conditioner this season, give us a call at (253) 879-9144, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.