Saving energy while enjoying your air conditioning system
There’s still a full month until fall and the summer’s heat is not letting up! With higher temperatures comes, of course, higher electricity bills. Did you know that your heating and air conditioning equipment actually comprises most of your utility costs? That’s why we always preach investing in the most efficient air conditioning you can afford.
While you can’t necessarily avoid a spike in electricity spending when temperatures are higher, there are some indoor activities you can do that won’t raise your bills. But, they can still keep you entertained on those hot days.
- Read. Flip open a book instead of flipping on the television.
- Experiment with the crock pot. Let those yummy smells perfume your home all day. Crock pots use less energy than a stove AND don’t heat up your home.
- Break out Risk or Monopoly. Instead of overworking that PlayStation or X-Box, play with a deck of cards or break out a board game.
- Coloring books. Sometimes something simple, like a coloring book, can be a great change from apps and TV programs. It’s a great activity for the kids.
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What is your favorite thing to do indoors
Summer is still in full swing! In some areas of the country, temperatures are still well above 90°F consistently. Now’s the best time to take advantage of that air conditioning system. Spending so much time indoors can seem monotonous, even boring. That’s why it’s important to keep a cache of fun indoor activities.
Yeah, spending time around the television seems to be the go-to. But, there are other things you can do (like create an awesome indoor book nook) that don’t involve staring at a screen. Like, check out these cool indoor reading nooks by Houzz. So, give us some inspiration! What’s your favorite thing to do indoors while beating the summer heat?Like this post? Share it!
How your HVAC contractor determines the quote for your new system
Are you currently searching for a new air conditioner? If so, then you’re probably all-too-familiar with how difficult it can be to sift through all of your options – from contractor to system selection. There are so many systems and professionals to choose from!
Quotes are crucial when it comes to making these tough decisions. At a basic level, you should make sure to avoid over-the-phone quotes and quotes on the back of a business card (without looking at your home). But, here are some other things that should happen when your contractor determines your quote.
- Make sure your contractor asks questions. The most important thing is that you get the system you want. How is your contractor going to know that unless they ask plenty of questions? Efficiency, added indoor air quality features and features of a new system are all things your contractor should ask you about.
- Sizing matters. You can’t always rely on “eyeballing” or the size of your current system. Make sure that when your contractor gives you a quote, they perform a Manual J load calculation. A system that is too big will never dehumidify your home properly – it will shut off too quickly. While a system that is too small will always seem to be running – driving up electricity bills and putting strain on your new system.
- Go beyond the indoor and outdoor unit. Your contractor should make sure to inspect your ductwork and the other aspects of your indoor air quality system to make sure that you are getting everything you need. Faulty ductwork and result in air leaks, loss in efficiency and more!
- Take more than price into account. Sometimes the overhead of running a reputable HVAC business can translate to a higher quote. Don’t let this deter you! It’s not always best to go with the contractor who gives you the lowest quote.
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The top five things to keep in mind after you buy a new air conditioner
Have you recently had a new air conditioner installed in your home? Caring for our home heating and cooling system doesn’t stop at installation. Here are some things that you should keep in mind after you’ve had your brand new air conditioner installed.
- Note changes in efficiency. This isn’t something you necessarily HAVE to do, but it can be interesting to see just how much better your new system is at cooling your home. Savings with a new system can be staggering – there’s nothing better than seeing those savings to make you feel good about your new investment.
- Filter changes. Keep your indoor air quality fresh by regularly changing your furnace filter. The frequency of these changes depends a lot on your home (for example: a home with pets may need more frequent filter changes), but a good rule of thumb is to change your filter each season.
- Proper airflow. Fall will be here before you know it. Make your new air conditioner’s job easier by ensuring proper air flow – rake those leaves away if they are piling around your condenser.
- Maintenance. Even a newer heating and cooling system can benefit from routine maintenance. This can be scheduled with your local heating and cooling contractor – with air conditioner / heat pump maintenance in the spring and gas furnace maintenance in the fall.
- Registration. In order to receive full warranty coverage, most manufacturers require that your equipment is registered. So, whether it’s your job or the contractor’s job – make sure your equipment is registered!
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How to stay safe in the summer heat
Earlier this week, we recommended stepping outside during the summer to make your air conditioner’s job easier. BUT, we wouldn’t say that if we didn’t also have tips for how to stay safe when enjoying the summer weather. There isn’t always going to be a pool nearby for a quick dunk. So, what should you do when you venture outside to enjoy the summer sunshine?
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Dehydration can be scary. It can lead to fatigue, fainting and even death (in the worst situations). So, make sure you are drinking plenty of water – particularly if you are participating in any high-energy activities. Even the pool!
- Stay cool in the shade. Whether it’s investing in a nice patio umbrella or planting a tree – the key to staying cool in your own backyard is taking advantage of the shade.
- Apply, and reapply, sunscreen. While this won’t necessarily keep you cooler, this is the best way to keep your skin as healthy as possible. Make sure you use SPF 30 or more, make sure it isn’t expired and reapply every two hours (or 30 minutes if you are swimming or being active).
- Invest in an outdoor fan. Maybe it will just be circulating the warmer air, but there’s nothing nicer than a breeze on a warm summer day.
- Lighting a fire? Make sure you keep things safe. Store the kindling away from the flame, and keep pets and children away from it – be it a grill or a pit.
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Head to the great outdoors to save on cooling expenses
We’ve rolled into August and it’s still hot, hot, hot! Yes, it’s very tempting to “batten down the hatches” so to speak and retreat indoors for the entire season. But, it’s actually a good idea (for your wallet) to step away from the air conditioning and enjoy the outdoors.
So, why should you take the time to enjoy the outdoors during the summer?
- More people = a hotter home. When it comes to how hard your air conditioner has to work, don’t discount body heat. The more people there are in your home, the higher the resting temperature of your home and the more energy it takes your air conditioner to cool your home.
- Using things, like your stove, can raise the temperature in your home. A stove, whether electric or gas, can really heat up your home. The hotter your home, the harder your air conditioner has to work to cool it down. Use your grill every once in a while to give your air conditioner a break.
- If you’re outside, you can turn off the lights. This may seem like a no-brainer, but every little bit helps.
- You can raise your thermostat temperature setting. While we don’t encourage constant tampering with your thermostat, raising the setting a few degrees can actually help you save money without sacrificing comfort. Plus, when you’re sitting outside in 90°F weather, 78°F (for example) is going to feel that much cooler.
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Air conditioner not working? Your HVAC contractor still matters.
Oh no! It happens… your air conditioner stops working during the hottest time of the year. Yes, it is tempting to go with the person who has the first availability or offers the lowest price, but this could end up costing you more money AND time without air conditioning in the future. Here’s a refresher on the things you should look for in the right air conditioning contractor.
- Check out references. It’s hard to run from negative reviews. Get references, check out online review platforms and select a contractor who has a positive history with customers.
- Don’t just go with the contractor who offers the lowest price. It takes a lot of overhead costs to run a reputable heating and air conditioning business. These costs may be reflected in the amount of money you have to pay for their services. Just remember, many times more money upfront means less money down the road.
- Make sure they service your equipment. Different brands require different training. Make sure you find the contractor who works on the brand you have in your home or would like in your home.
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Avoiding the panic button: what to do when your air conditioner won’t turn on
The temperature is rising and… oh no! Your air conditioner does not kick on. Or, worse yet, it starts blowing out HOT air. Before you throw in the towel and decide to call someone, there are some minor things you can check for that could be causing the problem. Keep in mind, we are not encouraging DIY air conditioning solutions, but these are some simple things you can check that do not involve tinkering with the system.
- Power to the unit. Maybe the unit is simply not turned on (outdoor or indoor equipment). Maybe you went to change the filter, turned the system off and forgot to switch it back on? This fix simply involves flipping on a switch.
- Power continued… Have you blown a fuse? Is your circuit breaker the source of the problem? Make sure that a fuse simply hasn’t blown and replace it. Again, another quick fix that does not involve a contractor.
- Closed registers. While we do not encourage people to use their registers or vents for temperature control, sometimes it happens. Make sure that all of your vents are open.
- Check the thermostat. If your thermostat is set at a temperature that is currently warmer than the temperature in your home, the system won’t turn on. Either wait for the temperature in your home to rise, or drop the thermostat down a few degrees.
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What should you set your thermostat at when you leave town?
Not sure what you should do with your air conditioner when you leave town? Although turning the entire system off when you leave can seem like a good idea, it’s actually not best practice.
- When you turn off your unit, your home can accumulate moisture. This can be bad for surfaces in your home, like wood furniture and floors. The build-up of moisture can cause warping.
- Discomfort when you return can be a big problem. Unpacking in a home that is upwards of 88 degrees can be uncomfortable and inconvenient.
- Heat build-up can make your air conditioner’s job harder. This can raise utility bills and will mean that it will take longer for your home to reach your ideal temperature.
If you DO have a programmable thermostat, you can set the base temperature higher and then schedule it to drop right before you get home. Meaning you will have saved money AND your home will be cool and comfortable when you finally return.
Although a programmable thermostat is best practice when it comes to setting the temperature when you leave town, you can still have good results with your normal thermostat. Set your thermostat a few degrees higher – 80F or so. Although it will still be hot when you get home, it won’t be nearly as out of control as a home with no air conditioning at all.
So, what temperatures do you like to set your thermostat at while you are out of town?
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10 ways to maximize air conditioning efficiency
Of course, we all want the most efficiency we can possibly get out of our air conditioners. While replacing an old unit with a newer, more efficient model is, obviously, the quickest and easiest way to improve efficiency, there are things you can do with your properly working, current unit to maximize cooling efficiency.
- Close windows and doors. Your conditioned air can easily escape outside when windows and doors are open. If you need to air out of your home, turn your air conditioner off. It’s not your job to cool the neighborhood.
- Plug leaks in your attic, under doors, around windows, etc... Air leaks can be a big problem for lost efficiency. Your cool air will leak outside and could result in your air conditioner operating longer than it needs to be. This will drive up utility spending.
- Set, or program, your thermostat and forget about it. Constantly fiddling with your thermostat can make your system run longer than it needs to, can result in more frequent on and off cycles, and can overall lead to poorer home comfort.
- Shade your condenser. A shaded condenser is a more efficient condenser. Just make sure that it adheres to the rules in #5.
- Maximize airflow around your air condenser. Plants and any other thing that could obstruct air flow should be a least 2 feet away from your air conditioner. Maximize airflow results for maximum efficiency.
- Keep up with filter changes. Again, maximum airflow means maximum efficiency. A dirty filter cannot only reduce indoor air quality, but it can also reduce airflow and make your air conditioner’s job harder.
DO NOT use registers for temperature control. When you open and close registers, it tampers with the cooling load your air conditioner is meant to cool. This can cause damage to your system and reduce home comfort.- If you need specialized control for each room in your house…invest in a zoning system. You can divide your home by rooms or groups of rooms for customized home comfort and maximum efficiency.
- Set your thermostat at a reasonable temperature. A thermostat set at a lower temperature does not necessarily cool any more quickly. Your air conditioner will actually just run longer – driving up utility bills.
- And the most important thing…keep up with yearly spring preventative maintenance. Your contractor can make sure your system is in tip-top shape and operating at expected efficiency levels.