With sustained high temperatures and stifling humidity, summer is never an easy time of year to save energy in South Texas. So, when you want to stay comfortable and cool but don’t know what else to do without increasing energy bills, use these summer savings tips for your HVAC system and around your home. You may find that saving energy while staying comfortable is easier than you think.
Block Heat Gain
The more heat gain you block from entering your living spaces, the less energy your HVAC system needs to use. Perhaps no other system in your home is more inefficient regarding heat gain/loss than your windows. Consider the following window treatments, especially on sun-facing windows:
- Insulating drapes: Heavy drapes or thinner layered drapes are practical solutions for blocking heat gain.
- Shades: Shades are available in many stylish colors and transparencies so that you don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for summer savings.
- Storm shutters: Storm shutters offer superior heat gain/loss blocking, and they protect your home during inclement weather.
Thermostat Temperature Settings
Stay on top of energy-efficient thermostat settings, or your energy bills can easily spiral out of control. Set the temperature to 78 when people are home and 88 or higher when no one is around. Turn up the temperature as much as you can comfortably during sleeping hours.
Check Air Filter Regularly
Regular air filter changes promotes more efficient airflow through your home and lower energy bills. In fact, a clogged filter can increase HVAC pressure drop and subsequent higher cooling costs up to 15 percent. So, change your filter for comfort, energy savings and to protect your HVAC system.
Clean Your Dehumidifier
Lower indoor humidity levels make indoor air feel cooler and more comfortable. This gives you a comfort cushion, so to speak, to turn up your thermostat and save energy. So, if you currently use a portable or a whole-home dehumidifier, make sure you clean the units or call your HVAC technician.
Summer savings are within your grasp when you work with the right HVAC company. Contact CCAC today for your HVAC and home efficiency needs.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.
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