Summers in Illinois brings long stretches of heat and humidity that puts additional stress on your cooling system. If you’re energy bills are higher than usual or your HVAC system is struggling to keep up, it’s time to consider how to make your system more efficient. If you’re unsure where to start, schedule a consultation with our team of HVAC technicians to help you stay cool and comfortable as temperatures rise. In this guide, we will explore effective tips to improve your home’s energy efficiency during the summer.
Schedule Maintenance for Your HVAC System
Before summer reaches full swing, schedule an HVAC maintenance appointment with one of our technicians at Home Comfort. During an AC tune-up, we clean the condenser coils, check refrigerant levels, tighten electrical connections, and calibrate the thermostat. Maintenance in the spring ensures your system is running at peak efficiency during the hottest time of the year. In Illinois, summer temperatures can vary, and your AC needs to be in good shape to handle temperature spikes.
Regularly Replace Air Filters
Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing your cooling system to work harder and consume more energy. Replacing your air filter every two to three months during peak cooling season helps maintain indoor air quality by keeping air moving freely. If you have allergies, you may need to change your filters more often.
Add Insulation to Your Living Space
Air leaks in your ductwork allow cooled air to escape from your home, and they invite warm, humid air inside. This forces your air conditioner to run longer than needed. Consider adding insulation to your attic to help prevent your home’s energy loss. Proper insulation is valuable in Illinois homes, as it reduces heat transfer and keeps your home more comfortable.
Consider a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats let you schedule temperature changes in your home based on your routine. You can set your thermostat to a higher temperature while you’re at work and cool down your home before you return. These small adjustments can provide you with significant energy savings. You can also separate the rooms in your home, so that if no one is using the bedrooms, you can minimize the cooling effect your system creates in that space. Before your loved ones go to bed for the night, you can cool the space more to add more comfort.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans don’t cool the air in your living space, but they create a wind-chill effect that can make it feel several degrees cooler. This allows you to raise the thermostat a bit without sacrificing the comfort of your family. Make sure your ceiling fans spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air downward. This is the most effective way to cool yourself off when your air conditioner is struggling to keep the space cool.
Create Outside Shade for Your Home
Strategic landscaping that can create exterior shading around your home can make a huge difference in your home’s energy efficiency. Planting trees outside of your home will help to block the summer sun. However, when winter arrives, the sunlight will still enter your home because the leaves that were blocking the sun in the summer will fall. You can also create shade by placing an awning above a patio door.
Use Appliances Wisely
When you use your oven or dryer during the hottest part of the day, the indoor temperatures can quickly go up. This makes your air conditioner work harder to maintain the same indoor temperature. Try grilling outside or using a microwave to prepare meals that will help keep your kitchen cool. Minimize running your dishwasher and washing machine until early morning or late evening hours when temperatures outside are lower.
Upgrade Your HVAC System
Most HVAC systems have a lifespan of up to 15 years, so if your HVAC is getting older, consider upgrading it. A mini-split system is an upgrade that uses significantly less energy. It allows for zoned heating and cooling in your living space, so you don’t have to waste energy cooling an unused space. Mini-splits are ductless, eliminating the 30% energy loss typically associated with traditional ducts.
Stay Comfortable and Save Money This Summer
Improving your home’s energy efficiency will help you stay cool during the hot Illinois summer without breaking the bank. At Home Comfort, we’ve been serving the Grand Junction area since 2016. We understand the importance of your comfort, especially during the summer.
For a consultation to make your HVAC system more efficient, contact us today!
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