We generally focus on ways we can conserve energy when temperatures are at extremes. However, energy conservation can be a year-round practice. The professionals at Ahoy! Cooling & Heating can show you how you can lower your home’s energy consumption when the weather is transitioning.
Using Solar Energy
You don’t have to install solar panels to benefit from the energy the sun delivers. As the weather cools, opening your curtains during daytime hours will provide some natural heat to your home. Closing the curtains and blinds at night will keep cooler air out during evenings.
Conversely, as the weather warms, using window dressings to diffuse sunlight will keep your home cooler. Planting trees and shrubs near windows will also help filter direct sunlight.
Sealing Air Leaks
Air leaks can occur throughout your home. Windows, doors, and wall gaps are the most common culprits. However, even the smallest leaks around cut-throughs and in air ducts can translate to higher energy consumption. Some households can conserve an estimated 20 to 40% on their energy bills by sealing leaks. We recommend having an HVAC professional thoroughly inspect your home for air leaks annually. Materials like caulk and weatherstripping can shrink and deteriorate over time and reopen leaks.
Inspecting Attic Insulation
Maintaining the right amount of attic insulation can be tricky. Your attic should have enough insulation in place to cover the floor joists. On the other hand, overfilling your attic insulation can affect ventilation of the space. Improper ventilation can cause your energy consumption to rise by allowing your roofing system to overheat.
Installing a Smart Thermostat
Not only does a smart thermostat installation add convenience, but it also reduces your HVAC system’s energy consumption. Smart thermostats allow you to only heat and cool your home when you need to. Altering the thermostat every time you leave your house, return, go to sleep, and wake up can be cumbersome. Nevertheless, adjusting the temperature according to your schedule will conserve energy when you’re sleeping or away from home.
A smart thermostat will make the adjustments for you. Most models allow you to program temperature changes according to your activity patterns. Motion-sensor thermostats adjust the temperature when they detect people or pets in the home. Adaptive-learning thermostats automatically learn your usage needs and change the temperature without much direction. Many smart thermostat models also deliver an alert when an HVAC system requires an inspection or maintenance service.
Having Your HVAC System Inspected
The transitional seasons are the perfect time to have your HVAC system inspected. During an inspection, a technician will examine all of your heating and cooling system’s components. The technician will tell you which parts need immediate maintenance and whether any equipment may require replacement soon. Timely, routine maintenance will help your HVAC continue to run optimally and conserve energy. Moreover, planning ahead for major repairs will be easier on your wallet and prevent untimely equipment breakdowns.
Cleaning Your HVAC Components
One of your HVAC system’s most important jobs is to improve the quality of the air in your home. Your home’s system is constantly filtering dust and other contaminants. Eventually, dust and debris accumulate on the system’s components. Not only does the accumulation of dust and debris reduce your indoor air quality, but it also makes the system work harder. An HVAC device that works harder consumes more energy. An experienced technician can clean your home’s air ducts and sensitive mechanical parts to restore optimal performance.
Using Ceiling Fans
On days when it’s not quite hot enough to turn on the air conditioner, a ceiling can keep you cool. Ceiling fans can make the temperature in a room feel up to 10 degrees cooler. Operating a ceiling fan consumes a fraction of the energy your air conditioner uses. You can change the direction your ceiling fan spins to further affect the room temperature. Setting the fan to operate counterclockwise pulls warm air from the ground and blows it back onto you. When the weather is cool, reverse the direction to push warmer air down from the ceiling.
Cleaning or Replacing Your Air Filters
A clean air filter allows air to flow freely through your home’s HVAC system. As the filter becomes clogged with contaminants, the heating and cooling appliances have to work harder to deliver conditioned air. Some air filters are reusable and return to improved functionality after cleaning. Others are not reusable and require replacement once they become dirty.
Improving the Efficiency of Your Water Heater
Your home’s water heater may be a stealthy energy vampire. Depending on your water usage patterns, there are several ways you can reduce your water heater’s energy consumption. Turning down the temperature on your water heater’s thermostat can prevent scalding and reduce heating costs. A professional can further improve energy efficiency by insulating your water heater and pipes.
If your water heater is an older model, it may be time to replace it. Switching to a hybrid heat pump water heater can further reduce your energy consumption.
Minimizing Heat Loss From Your Fireplace
In homes in Tampa, fireplaces add more aesthetic value than functional use as an energy-efficient heat source. When your fireplace is not in use, you should always keep its damper closed. Otherwise, keeping the damper open is similar to leaving a window open on a chilly day. Your HVAC system will work harder to maintain a warm, comfortable indoor temperature. If you never use your fireplace, make sure to have the flue plugged and sealed. Installing a grate with C-shaped metal tubes will direct cool air into the fireplace while re-distributing warm air into the room.
If you plan to use your fireplace, tempered glass doors and a heat exchange system provide a less permanent solution. The heat exchange system will blow warm air back into the room. Your HVAC technician can also check the seal on your fireplace flue damper and create a tighter fit if necessary. Caulking around your fireplace’s hearth will also seal tiny leaks that allow conditioned air to escape.
Tampa Bay’s Energy-Efficiency Experts
Ahoy! Cooling & Heating has served the Tampa Bay area since 2010. Our dedication to delivering top-rate service and effective HVAC solutions continues to be our top priority. Our ubiquitous, colorful service trucks reflect our technicians’ warm, friendly disposition. When you call on us, you can rest assured that you will be treated well and receive an effective solution.
Our knowledgeable team is qualified to inspect your HVAC system in addition to performing routine maintenance, cleaning, and repairs for air conditioners and heating systems. If you are building a new home, we can design and install your new HVAC system to maximize energy efficiency. For older homes, we can recommend energy-efficient replacement appliances when it’s time for an upgrade. We sell HVAC products from the industry’s top brands. Communities throughout Tampa trust us to deliver high-quality workmanship and friendly service.
We can help you reduce your home’s energy consumption as the weather transitions. Contact Ahoy! Cooling & Heating to schedule an appointment!
