How to Save on HVAC During the Spring

Apr 24, 2022

How to Save on HVAC During the Spring

Heating

The snow may melt away at the beginning of spring, but that doesn’t mean the HVAC bills will go away with it. Once the weather starts to warm up, many people turn to their air conditioners to stay comfortable.

Unfortunately, bad care habits and poor maintenance of your HVAC system can lead to inflated utility bills, inefficient heating and cooling, and a shorter system lifespan. In this article, we’ll cover the ways that basic HVAC maintenance and smart use of your air conditioner this spring can help control spending on your air conditioner and heater, leading to a longer service life for your home’s HVAC system. We can help you save money on HVAC and feel less stress this spring!

1. Regulate Your Thermostat

Keeping the thermostat on a low temperature when running the air conditioner forces the air conditioner to work extra hard to cool your home. Keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees during the warmer months will minimize your use of the air conditioner and reduce the strain on the appliance. If possible, you may even try to set the thermostat to a temperature higher than 78 degrees to see if you can stay comfortable in your home. If 79 or 80 degrees is too warm, you can always turn it back down again.

2. Get an Air Conditioner Tune-Up

Get your air conditioner serviced once a year at the beginning of the warm-weather season. Your HVAC repair person will clean and inspect the wiring and mechanical parts, check for wear and tear and make recommendations for repair. Getting a tune-up can help improve the efficiency of the system and prevent breakdowns, ensuring that your air conditioner will be operating at optimal levels throughout the cooling season.

3. Open the Windows at Night

Temperatures drop at night, especially in the spring and the earlier part of the cooling season. You can reduce your use of the air conditioner by turning it off at night and opening the windows in the evening. To make your job easier, try programming the thermostat to turn off every night at the same time, and program the thermostat to turn on every morning after you wake. This way, you won’t need to touch the air conditioner at all and can instead focus your energy on keeping the windows open or closed.

4. Limit Stove and Oven Use

Using the stove and oven can heat up your kitchen and spread heat throughout the house, putting more pressure on the air conditioner. Limiting your use of the oven and stove can help control this problem. Avoid turning on the oven before it’s needed, and make a habit of turning off the oven as soon as you’ve pulled out the food.

Whenever possible, use an electric kettle or pot to heat liquids instead of an open flame on the stove. Keep the lid on pots of water as they boil to avoid filling the room with steam. When you are using the oven or stove, turn on the vents in your kitchen to pull the warm air out of the room.

5. Invest In Energy Efficient HVAC Systems

Air conditioners rated by the EPA’s ENERGY STAR program are among the most efficient, eco-friendly air conditioners on the market. Look for the ENERGY STAR label on all air conditioners when shopping for a new unit. Using an ENERGY STAR rated air conditioner will help keep your utility bills down throughout the spring and summer.

6. Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks in your air ducts can release cool air into parts of your home that you don’t inhabit, like the attic. Sealing the ducts ensures that the cool air coming from your air conditioner only goes into the living spaces parts of your home. If you’re not sure how to find air leaks in your ducts or if you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own, contact your HVAC contractor for assistance. Your HVAC repair person can help you repair your ducts to improve the efficiency of your HVAC system.

7. Repair Furnace Issues Before the Season Begins

Your furnace and air conditioner use the same blower and air ducts. If you’ve been having problems with your furnace this winter, your air conditioner could be affected as well. Repairing your furnace now will help ensure that your HVAC system is ready to go when the cooling season begins.

Remember: the temperatures outdoors may go up this spring, but your energy bills don’t have to. Following the tips above will help you keep your air conditioner fast and efficient. For more information about the various ways that you can help keep your air conditioner and furnace working well throughout the year, contact your HVAC contractor today. Getting advice from a knowledgeable professional can help you keep your air conditioner and furnace in good repair.