Our humid, hot Houston summers can be difficult to get through – especially knowing every moment of cool air is coming straight out of our pockets. There’s only so much that air conditioning maintenance can do once you’re in the dead heat of a Texas summer, but there are other ways you can maximize your comfort and air conditioner efficiency, Houston.
Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing is here to help you make smart decisions about your AC settings and stay cool this summer – without destroying your budget! Read on to learn some summer tips for HVAC energy efficiency.
AC Energy Efficient Practices
The first way to ensure your home stays cool and cost effective is to keep your unit in top condition. Scheduling air conditioner summer maintenance is proven to help your AC run smoother when faced with extreme temperatures. However, even with your yearly tune-up completed, your cooling system can still struggle to remain efficient. Try these techniques in your home for cooler temperatures and bigger savings this summer.
Thermostat Settings
Many homeowners struggle with the desire for crisp, cool air and the resulting energy bills. If you want to see financial savings, you need to be strategic about your thermostat settings and expectations. During the hottest months of the year, the optimal temperature to set your thermostat at is 78 degrees. This may seem warm, but your AC will be able to work better without such a huge gap between the desired temperature and the outside temperature.
When you leave the house for at least two hours, you have a great opportunity to save even more money. Increase your thermostat when you’re gone and you could potentially see up to 10% savings in your bill every month. There’s no use in cooling your home when no one is there to benefit from it.
Ceiling Fans
Your fans are actually part of the strategy behind your home temperature. With your thermostat set at 78, you’ll need other parts of your home working to make you feel cooler. Ceiling fans use wind chill technology to wick away moisture on your skin. This process makes your living spaces feel three or four degrees cooler.
Window Treatments
Your windows are a huge source of heat in your home. The more you can limit the light coming in through your windows, the less heat will enter your home and cause your AC to struggle. Blinds, curtains, tint and screens are all great window investments to keep you cool and your AC healthier.
Limited Appliance Use
The devices and appliances in your home all use energy and create some kind of heat. From lower-heat producers like TVs or computers to high producers like the oven or washing machine, limiting your use of appliances can reduce the heat in your home. Think about the best time to use these appliances – in the morning or evening when the temperatures haven’t risen much yet.
Interested In More Efficiency Tips?
Our team at Air Tech of Houston AC & Plumbing is dedicated to every aspect of your heating and cooling – that includes your budget and your comfort. When you need efficiency advice or any AC services in the Houston area, you know who to call. Count on us to keep you cool this summer!
