Spring is here, the perfect time to clean up around the house, throw out excess waste, and dial-in your home appliances and electronic devices. Warmer weather will soon be upon us. With a little fine-tuning of your HVAC system, you’ll be able to minimize energy consumption and maximize savings. Here are a few of DBM Solar’s favorite energy saving tips.
Service your air conditioner
It’s important to check your air conditioner’s air filters. Clean filters in an HVAC system promote efficient airflow, which can reduce energy consumption by as much as 10-20%.
Set the thermostat accordingly
Now that your air conditioner is serviced to perform at its best, bump up the thermostat 2 or 3 degrees. While a degree or two won’t make you miserable, it will help reduce energy costs by as much as 10 percent.
Seal cooling and ventilation ducts
What good is cool air from your air conditioner if much of it goes to waste? Air loss can account for as much as 30% of a cooling system’s energy consumption. Efficient, sealed ducting can significantly lower electricity bills and maximize comfort in your home.
Throw a shrimp on the barbie
Warm weather is the perfect time to grill. Whatever your favorite bbq recipe or item to grill may be, shrimp or otherwise, grilling has a few benefits to energy consumption. First, grilling often uses less energy, which can save you a few buck. Second, cooking outdoors keeps the heat outdoors. You can avoid having to crank up the AC on steak night by cooking outdoors instead of in the kitchen.
Tint or dress up your home’s windows
Now that your AC is running lean, and the home is at a comfortable temperature, let it stay that way into the evening as the sun set. Minimize excessive heat from the sun penetrating your home. Window accessories can help deflect the heat once temperatures rise. Adding blinds, shades, or films not only improves the look of your home but also reduce energy costs.
Go solar
With your home’s comfort now on auto-pilot, maximize your savings by going solar. Imagine, total home comfort without the expensive electricity bills because you generate your own power. Solar system design companies, like DBM Solar, can help you with shade analysis and solar feasibility studies to get you the biggest bank for your buck at the smallest bang to your wallet.