Some homeowners will simply install a heating and cooling system in their home, and then run it as needed. Now, this will work fine even without an overall plan or strategy. That said, taking the time to think about and develop a big picture strategy for how you heat and cool your St. Louis home can save you a significant amount of money and extend the lifespan of your HVAC system. If you’re interested in better and more energy efficient cooling, here is a guide to consider.
Energy Efficient Cooling by Maximizing Your HVAC System
When an HVAC system is new, it generally runs at high efficiency and is able to provide temperature adjustments that are quick and accurate. Unfortunately, as time passes, this efficiency can deteriorate, leading to less efficient cooling and higher energy usage. However, this doesn’t have to be inevitable.
To achieve more energy efficient cooling, start by cleaning and maintaining your HVAC system. Check your air filters. Dirty filters clog up the system so replace these based on the recommendations of your HVAC provider. Check the parts of your air conditioning unit that are located outside your home as well. Over time, dead leaves, mown grass, and other debris can make their way around the coils, hampering their effectiveness. Clear and clean these well. Also, do the same for those parts of the air conditioning that are inside your home. Removing the gunk will increase the efficiency of your system, reducing your costs.
You should also check if your air conditioner is able to easily drain accumulated moisture via its drain channels. If the moisture is not able to drain properly, clear the channels so that any bottlenecks are widened and clogs are removed. Also, check if any of the fins of your air conditioning unit have become damaged or deformed. Where possible, try to force them back into shape, so that air is able to flow through the system properly.
Energy Efficient Cooling by Reducing Heat Sources
Another key part of an energy efficient cooling strategy involves reducing sources of heat inside your St. Louis home where possible. These heat sources will force your HVAC system to work harder than usual, driving up your energy consumption. Start by using thick drapes or curtains to cover windows, especially during the hotter parts of the day. Also, go over the windows, doors, and other possible gaps in the exterior of the home, checking for places where cool air can escape and hot air from outside can enter. Once found, do the necessary caulking and weatherproofing to minimize or close these gaps.
For energy efficient cooling, find ways to reduce the heat given off by appliances inside the house. You can replace inefficient and hot light fixtures with LEDs. Consider using an exhaust fan or range hood in the kitchen area to immediately pull hot air out and away from the interior. Also related, avoid locating your thermostat close to heat sources. These can fool it into thinking that more cooling is needed than necessary, also leading to waste and less energy efficient cooling.
Other Energy Efficient Cooling Steps
For even more energy efficient cooling, experiment with setting your thermostat slightly higher than usual. 78 degrees Fahrenheit is a good place to start. This can result in decreased reliance on your air conditioning units, without sacrificing interior comfort. Also, consider making use of fans for energy efficient cooling. These can be ceiling fans in key rooms, or floor or table fans that can be moved from room to room as needed. Fans use less energy than air conditioning, but thanks to their wind chill effect, they can make a noticeable difference in comfort level for people inside a room and create very energy efficient cooling.
Learn More About Energy Efficient Cooling Strategies
If you are looking for ways to save on energy costs for cooling your home this summer, the heating & air conditioning experts at Galmiche & Sons can help you create an energy efficient cooling strategy for your home. Contact us today online or by phone at 314-993-1110!
