20 Apr 2014 Preparing for summer months
It’s easy to prepare your home for summer and for lower energy bills by simply completing these eight easy tips before the temperatures get too hot. Even following just two or three suggestions can make a home more energy efficient and help reduce energy bills.
Change the air filter.
Once you change it, set an alert on your phone or computer calendar to remind you to change it out every month during the summer. It may seem like a lot of upkeep, but it will help extend the life of the HVAC system. Stock up on air filters at the beginning of the summer and store them away for easy access. This way you won’t forget to change it for another month, and you’ll save a trip to the store.
Test the system.
If you haven’t already, turn the AC on and turn down the temperature to force the system to turn on. When you hear the system starting to blow air, be sure to place your hand in front of a vent to make sure the air coming through is considerably cool. If any problems arise such as the system not turning on or warm air coming through the vents, be sure to call an air conditioning repair company. The earlier in the season you can get the repair done, the less likely you will have to pay more during a peak-of-the-season emergency.
Check the ducts.
You may have a faulty duct system if you experience uneven cooling or extremely high energy bills. Many air conditioning contractors can perform a duct test to find faulty areas. If you’re more of the do-it-yourself type, check out the Conway Corporation Energy Smart guide to “Sealing Leaks and Sealing Ducts” at conwaycorp.com.
Maintain the outdoor unit.
A simple task you can complete on your outdoor unit is to clear any debris immediately around it. Anything that would affect the unit from pulling air into it should be removed. To complete a thorough cleaning and checkup on your unit, call an air conditioning professional.
Install a programmable thermostat.
If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, installing one is simple and can save loads on an energy bill. The benefit to having a programmable thermostat is being able to schedule it to an energy-saving temperature while you aren’t home. For example, when the family leaves for work or school, you can program your thermostat to 78 or 80 degrees. This temperature may be a little warm when everyone is home, but is a great temperature to keep an empty home.
Install attic insulation and an attic fan.
Another great energy saver is attic insulation. It keeps the hot air in the attic and not in the living spaces of the home. Install an attic fan for an inexpensive way to keep an attic even cooler and therefore keeping a home cooler.
Seal any air leaks to the outside.
Close any air leaks by windows or doors with caulk or a weather-stripping material. The more airtight your home is, the less your air conditioner needs to work.
Add a UV film to your windows.
UV film is a thin plastic that sticks to your windows and can block almost all UV rays as well as a high percentage of solar heat. Not only does this film keep your home cooler when the sun is blazing, but it also protects furniture, carpets and wood flooring from UV damage.
Zero interest loans for certain energy efficiency home improvements are available to Conway Corporation customers through its Energy Smart program. All you need to do is schedule a free energy audit with a Conway Corporation energy professional, provide an estimate from a vendor and apply for the Energy Smart Loan. It’s that easy to start saving money with a more energy efficient home.
To find out more about free energy audits, the loan program or more about Conway Corporation’s Energy Smart program, contact Conway Corporation at 501.450.6000 or visit conwaycorp.com and click on the Energy Smart quick link.
