conserving energy

Air Conditioning

How to Conserve AC Energy During the Summer

David Rampey ·

n

Do Not Display

With the cost of so many things having risen recently, we're all concerned about saving money wherever we can, and one way to do this is to conserve AC energy. Since the cost of energy to run your air conditioner is probably your greatest energy expense, it makes sense to conserve AC energy and keep your utility bill in check.

Here are some tips for how to conserve AC energy in your home this summer.

  1. Air seal your home. When your home is not airtight, conditioned air can leak out and unconditioned air can make its way inside the house. If you have an older home or a home where the construction is not that tight, you may need to go around the house and look for air leaks. Leaks are typically found around baseboards, around door and window frames, around electric switches, near recessed lighting, and linked to your HVAC ductwork. Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.

  2. Close out solar radiation. You can lower your energy bill significantly by keeping solar radiation from penetrating windows. Close drapes, blinds, and shades in the daytime.

  3. Schedule AC maintenance. Every spring, it's a good idea to schedule AC maintenance to ensure your equipment is running as efficiently as it can. Your tech can find problems that may lead your AC to labor to cool and correct them.

  4. Change your filter regularly. A dirty filter will impede airflow, causing the air conditioner to struggle to meet thermostat set points. A clean filter allows air to flow freely through your system so that it cools as expected.

  5. Insulate the home as needed. Adding insulation at key sites around the home will help it stay cooler and keep out intrusive hot air. Look into adding a layer of insulation on the ceiling floor of your attic. This layer will help keep cool air from migrating into a hot attic, increasing the efficiency of your air conditioner. You may also need to insulate air ducts so your system's conditioned air is not subject to compromise from heat or humidity.

For more on how to conserve AC energy, contact Air Assurance. We serve Broken Arrow and the surrounding area.

Insulation: In Cooler Weather, Basements, Walls And Attics May Need An Extra Layer

Mike Rampey ·

Insulation is basically equivalent to a thick, warm winter jacket for your home -- it adds an extra layer of protection from the elements. It helps to lock the heat inside, rather than letting it go to waste and escape outside. Considering how chilly it can get in northeast Oklahoma, the more heat you can retain inside your home, the better. This not only makes your home feel more comfortable, but can also significantly reduce your energy bills.

Does your home need an insulation make over?

While your home may already be insulated, there’s a possibility that it could use some added shielding from the cold. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this may be particularly true if you live in an older home, since homes today are built with a much higher standard for energy efficiency than they used to be. To maximize your energy savings, your home should be insulated from the bottom to the top.

Your attic, walls, crawl spaces, floors and basement walls should be examined to determine if added insulation would be beneficial. Even if you think your home has enough, adding another layer to the areas where it already exists can decrease your energy expenditures even more. Insulating areas where there is none is a also guaranteed a money-saver.

Additional tips for conserving energy

In addition to adding an extra layer of insulation, there are a few other tips to keep in mind for conserving energy:

  • Air sealing your home can help ensure heated air isn’t leaking outdoors.

  • A well-insulated attic, which includes its access door, can go an especially long way in cutting down on your energy usage.

  • Avoid moisture problems by cleaning your gutters, keeping a well-sealed home and making sure your home is properly ventilated.

Air Assurance

Air Assurance is a family owned business that has been helping people throughout the Tulsa and Broken Arrow areas with a full line of HVAC services since 1985. For more expert advice about insulation and other issues related to home comfort, please feel free to contact us at Air Assurance today.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the Tulsa and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Image courtesy of Shutterstock