Temperatures are dropping all over the country as homeowners scramble to get their heating systems ready for late fall, early winter changes. However, we’re the lucky ones! When it comes to HVAC in Wellington, FL, we get amazingly mild temperatures throughout the coldest days of the winter. It truly is paradise here!
While we don’t need to prepare our homes for ice and snow, we do need to prepare for a loss of efficiency as we’re still using air conditioners to cool our homes and heat pumps to heat them on those few chilly nights. Any loss in efficiency could mean a higher energy bill, which is never a good sign no matter where you live.
Today, we’re going to talk about 5 major tips that could help you run your AC or heat pump more effectively, and basically give you lower utility bills through tighter energy efficiency.
1. Regulate Temperature With a Ceiling Fan
The first tip on this list might sound counterproductive, but let us explain. Ceiling fans do a phenomenal job of either increasing or decreasing the temperature of a room by just a few degrees, without the energy draw of an air conditioner or heater.
When things are hot, a ceiling fan can run counterclockwise to create a downdraft and help circulate cool air throughout your home.
When things are cold, your ceiling fan can run clockwise to use convection and circulate heat throughout your home, just like it would in a convection oven. This should help you feel warm and cozy in your home.
Ceiling fans run with extremely minimal energy consumption, so they’re a great idea to help regulate temperature and increase energy efficiency.
2. Change Your Air Filter
Don’t forget to change your AC or heating system’s air filter every 1-3 months. This vital component keeps the interior components safe and clean, as well as helps provide fresh air to the system. By regularly changing the filter, you’re ensuring that the system operates with maximum efficiency going forward.
3. Open a Window to Catch the Breeze on Mild Days
When temperatures are in the perfectly comfortable zone (between the 60s and 70s, or even 80s for some folks), it’s not a bad idea to just shut your HVAC system off and open some windows! The air is also cleaner and less stuffy when it comes from the outside, so you’re really getting comfortable and fresh air that’s easier to breathe.
4. Schedule AC or Heat Pump Maintenance
It doesn’t matter how often or regularly you run your HVAC system, it’s important to schedule maintenance for it every year. And, to top it all off, if you’ve got a heat pump that runs all year round, you need to schedule maintenance twice a year!
5. Keep Vents Clear
The vents in your home are the pathways by which comfortable air can reach your home. If vents are covered by furniture, boxes, or even just art supplies from your last craft day, your home might have trouble getting comfortable efficiently. An HVAC system could work harder and consume more energy to meet the temperature demand on the thermostat if it’s only running with half of the available vents!
Contact Seaside Air Services for help with your HVAC efficiency!