In an average home, heating and cooling costs can make up over half of your utility expenses, which makes using your central air conditioning one of the largest energy expenses for your household.
With the heat of summer right around the corner, our local HVAC pros have put together a list of easy no-cost ways that you can improve the energy efficiency of your system, so you can control your expenses and boost the longevity of your system while staying cool!
Follow these tips to keep your AC system healthy as the Tampa Bay weather gets warmer:
Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit of your AC system will work most efficiently if it is clear from any debris such as sticks, leaves, vines, pollen, etc. Remember: a thorough in-depth clean of the condenser should be cleaned by an AC professional at least once or twice a year.
Keep Indoor Vents Unblocked
Keep furniture, blinds, curtains, toys, etc. from blocking any of the vent registers in your home. Vacuuming the dust and debris away from the indoor supply vents will also help maintain steady airflow of cool air throughout your system.
Install a Smart Thermostat
With a programmable thermostat, you can automatically adjust the temperature in your home for the times of day when you are away. Adjusting the temperature by 5-8 degrees (down in the winter, and up in the summer) can help save money and prevent your AC from cycling on and off all day.
Energy savings can be yours with a new smart programmable thermostat! Integrity Home Solutions is ready to help answer any questions you may have regarding smart thermostat installation. Schedule a consultation today at (813) 590-7928
Keep Heat Producing Appliances Away from the Thermostat
Heat-producing appliances such as lamps can cause your system to cycle on and off more than it needs to, creating unwarranted wear and tear to your air conditioner’s moving parts.
Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed
During the heat of the day, keep curtains and blinds closed to help keep your home cooler. When the direct sun hits the windows of your home, you can help keep some of the heat from warming up the inside of your home by keeping the curtains closed, especially if you aren’t home.
The same goes for keeping lights on during the day, these can add to energy costs and heat in your home as well.
Clear the Drain Line
Your air conditioning system has a drain that is typically mounted outside of your home. This drain line can get clogged over time from debris and algae, and cleaning it will help mitigate any breakdowns or future repairs.
To do so, simply flush one cup of chlorine bleach down the air conditioning drain and rinse with a gallon of clean water. If the drain is already clogged, we can help with that. Drain clearing is one of our specialties.
Avoid Using the Dryer and Oven During the Hottest Part of the Day
By avoiding the use of the dryer or oven during the hottest hours of the day, you can help keep your energy costs down and your home cool. It’s amazing how much heat is created by the oven and the dryer. Don’t make it harder on your system, try to use these “heat creators” in the evening if possible!
Insulate Exposed Ductwork
If the ductwork running throughout your home is not properly sealed, it will leak your precious air-conditioned air. You can fix visual leaks with duct sealing tape that is UL 181-rated, but it is best to schedule a ductwork inspection with a licensed HVAC professional from Integrity Home Solutions to thoroughly inspect your ductwork and make repairs as needed.
When air duct cleaning doesn’t take place regularly, your HVAC system will work less efficiently and you may experience a dramatic increase in your monthly energy bill. Get your ductwork cleaned and inspected by our expert HVAC technicians today!
Save Energy with Integrity Home Solutions
Remember, preventative maintenance is KEY to the efficiency and longevity of your HVAC system. It is important to have your system checked by a professional at least once per season to ensure that everything is running as it should, so when the hot Florida weather begins you’ll be sitting cool and comfortable.
No matter the season, our A/C maintenance & tune-up technicians will ensure your air conditioning system is 100% functional & ready for your air conditioning needs. Schedule a ductwork inspection or HVAC maintenance with Integrity Home Solutions in Tampa, FL today! Call our 5-star team at (813) 590-7928 or schedule an appointment online!
