Riding the Heat Wave
The scorching summer heat has arrived even earlier than normal this year, and at Maki Heating and Air we want to help you reduce your energy consumption and save money all while ensuring you stay as cool as a cucumber. Check out our top seven tips to maximize your comfort and savings this summer!
Utilize Shade
Using curtains and blinds along with shade cloths near windows that get direct sunlight can drastically lower the amount of heat that penetrates the glass and seeps into your home. On average, blinds and solid draperies can lower the temperature in your house between 30% and 45%, helping your home to stay cooler and lowering your energy bill at the same time.
Turn Those Fans On
Turning on ceiling fans or free-standing fans in your home can increase ventilation and keep airflow moving, decreasing the temperature in the room by 3-4%. Used with open windows (if cool enough outside) or alongside an air conditioner means you can turn up your thermostat a bit, saving both money and energy, while still cooling your home efficiently.
Seal the Cracks and Vent the Attic
Though your house may seem airtight, there are likely small cracks and crevices where hot air is allowed to seep in. Taking a walk around your home with a calking gun (upstairs as well for two-story houses) will allow you to locate and fill cracks where you may be losing cool air. Calking is excellent at sealing tiny cracks between window frames and walls for example. For things like gaps under exterior doors, you’ll want to utilize weather stripping to make a more sturdy seal. Adding a vent in your attic will also allow hot air to escape out of the roof which is the only place you do want it to leak!
Encourage Natural Ventilation
If you live in an area where temperatures drop at night, or you get the delightful Delta breeze blowing by in the evening, simply open your windows to take advantage of the natural cooling effects. You can significantly cool your home in the evening and early morning by getting a cross breeze going. This means your air conditioner will kick on less frequently, if at all. Just remember to close the windows in the morning to keep the cool air in as long as possible!
Update Appliances
The next time you need to replace your washer, refrigerator, or dishwasher, look for the Energy Star seal. This label means that the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has certified that the appliance is energy efficient. In general, Energy Star appliances use approximately 15% less energy than standard appliances, and this reduction in energy consumption saves money and resources, especially in the hot summer months when many cities ask consumers to cut down on electricity use during peak hours.
Clean Your AC Units, Filters, and Vents
Air conditioning units and vents that are dirty won’t work as efficiently since airflow will be easily blocked. This means hvac units are forced to work extra hard to pump air throught the system to cool the home, using more energy and therefore, costing more money. By replacing filters regularly and thoroughly cleaning your system (including cleaning the ac ducts) at least once a season, you’ll help the unit run as efficiently as possible, keeping your home cool and resulting in noticeable energy savings. If you are in need of air conditioner service beyond what you are able or willing to do yourself, and are looking for an experienced hvac company, it would be our pleasure to assist you.
Turn Up Your Thermostat When You’re Sleeping or Away
Many people make the mistake of turning their air conditioners all the way off when sleeping or not at home, but simply turning the thermostat up a few degrees can help you claim big energy savins. Not only that, but your air conditioner system will no longer be forced to shut on and off constantly. For each degree you turn up the thermostat, you’ll save between 4% and 8% on your electricity bill. Setting the unit to kick on at 78 degrees rather than 76 degrees for instance, can save you money and simultaneously keep the house a comfortable temperature.
Don’t Wait to Schedule Your Heat and Air Conditioning Inspection
At Maki Heating and Air Conditioning, we want to help you keep your home cool this summer while encouraging energy savings for your wallet and our planet as well! Call us anytime at (530) 885-3449 and an ac repairman will be happy to help you. We can provide a thorough HVAC inspection, a duct clean, help replace your filters, or provide any air conditioner service or general maintenance that you might require as temperatures continue to rise.
We can also repair air conditioner units that are not working properly and can recommend replacements that will be the most affordable and efficient if you are in need of an entirely new hvac unit. We are the most reliable Sacramento HVAC company and take pride in serving the surrounding foothill communities as well. Contact us today to see how we can help you!
