Slash AC Bills: Lower the Cooling Load
Cooling load is the amount of cool air that your air conditioning unit must produce to keep your home feeling comfortable. The calculation considers specific characteristics, such as heat gained through your roof, doors, walls and windows as well as heat generated by the lighting, appliances and people in the residence. These tips will help you reduce your cooling load and the monthly utility bills for your Longboat Key, FL home.
Seal Leaks and Add Insulation
Replace worn-out weather stripping around your doors and windows. Caulk any cracks, especially those places where pipes and electrical wires enter your home. You should also check your ductwork because air leaks from gaps and other openings can cause a substantial loss of energy. Ensure that all loose sections are properly connected. Seal any holes or cracks with metal tape. Determine whether your residence has the proper amount of insulation in the attic and crawl spaces based on your home’s geographic location. You can use fiberboard, fiberglass batt or blown-in cellulose. Wrapping ductwork in blanket-style insulation will prevent energy loss as well.
Reduce or Eliminate Heat Sources
Closing blinds and drapes can prevent solar gain, which raises the temperature inside your home. Studies reveal that proper solar control techniques can reduce cooling load by 10 percent. Plant trees or install awnings to provide additional shade. Avoid using the oven during the hottest times of the day. Consider using a microwave or outdoor grill. Turn off lights, televisions, computers and other electronic equipment. Use timers and install modern compact fluorescent bulbs. Operate clothes dryers, ovens and dishwashers in the evening when it is cooler outside.
Improve Air Circulation
Ceiling and box fans circulate the air making rooms seem cooler. These fans will enable you to raise the temperature set point on your thermostat. Replace air filters regularly and clean air vents, registers and returns. The improved circulation reduces the load on your air conditioning unit because it will not have to operate as often or work as hard to circulate the air inside of your home.
Service and Upgrade Air Conditioning Systems
Along with these cooling load reduction strategies, homeowners should ensure that their HVAC systems receive the proper maintenance. Seasonal tune ups enable experienced technicians to identify and correct mechanical issues and other problems like low refrigerant that cause your unit to run longer to cool your home. If your unit is more than ten years old, you should consider installing a modern, energy efficient HVAC system. The upgrade could save up to 20 percent on your cooling costs. Contact our office to schedule a convenient time for one of our experienced technicians to evaluate and service your existing unit.
Contact the HVAC Pros
A lower cooling load will slash AC bills this summer. If you would like more information on how we can help, give us a call. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff at Custom Air Heating and Cooling will be glad to assist you. Working together, we can create a customized plan that will make your home more energy efficient and comfortable during the summer heat.