During West Virginia’s sweltering-hot summers, staying cool and comfortable becomes a top priority for homeowners. However, it can cost a fortune to crank up the AC on those 95-degree days, leaving you with the classic conundrum of weighing your comfort against your checkbook.
But this dilemma doesn’t have to be your reality! There are several ways you can keep your home comfortable and improve energy efficiency. Try these tips this summer straight from our friendly heating, ventilation, and air conditioning experts!
Upgrade Your Unit
One of the most impactful steps you can take towards improved energy efficiency is upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner. Today’s energy-efficient HVAC systems are designed to use less power while still providing superior cooling performance.
Look for air conditioners with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), or select a combined heating and cooling unit with a variable speed blower motor, like a heat pump. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit. This upgrade not only provides you with improved comfort and energy savings, but it also reduces your environmental impact. That’s a win-win for both you and Mother Nature!
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Installing a programmable or “smart” thermostat is a smart way to manage your home’s temperature more efficiently. Programmable thermostats allow you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day, ensuring your HVAC system isn’t working overtime when it doesn’t need to be. For instance, you can set your thermostat to raise the temperature while you’re at work and lower it just before you get home, optimizing energy use without sacrificing comfort.
Smart thermostats take things even further, allowing you to adjust temperatures remotely with a few taps on your phone. That means no more worrying about leaving the AC on when you leave for vacation!
Join the Fan Club
Ceiling fans are a great addition to your home’s cooling strategy. They help circulate the cool air produced by your air conditioner, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without feeling any less comfortable. Fans use significantly less energy than air conditioners, reducing energy usage while still keeping you and your family cool. Remember to turn off the fans when you leave the room to maximize energy savings.
Seal the Deal
Do your surroundings feel a little… drafty? Inspect your home for drafts or holes around windows, doors, and ducts, and seal air leaks and gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. Additionally, ensure your attic and walls are adequately insulated. By preventing cool air from escaping and hot air from entering, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable.
Don’t Miss Out on Maintenance
Routine AC maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioner running efficiently. Dirty filters, clogged ducts, and worn-out parts force your AC unit to work harder to generate cool air, consuming more energy. Regular tune-ups can extend the life of your system and reduce energy consumption significantly.
Schedule regular maintenance checks with Johnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning to keep your system clean and functioning optimally. This includes replacing air filters, cleaning coils, and checking refrigerant levels.
Stay Cool This Summer!
West Virginia summers can be brutal, but with the right energy-efficient HVAC solutions, you can stay cool and comfortable without breaking the bank. Upgrading to a high-efficiency air conditioner, utilizing programmable thermostats, leveraging ceiling fans, sealing and insulating your home, and investing in professional maintenance for your AC unit are all excellent strategies to enhance your home’s comfort and efficiency.
Don’t let high energy bills ruin your summer fun. Contact Johnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning today to learn more about our energy-efficient HVAC solutions, or browse our other blog articles to learn answers to popular HVAC questions. Let us help you find the perfect cooling strategy for your home so you can enjoy a cool and cost-effective summer!
