7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring

As icy winter days become rarer and the mild warmth of early spring arrives, you might start thinking about how you’ll keep your residence cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is an ideal time to implement energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the hotter months ahead.

Here are seven strategies to implement today, courtesy of the professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning.

1. Operate Ceiling Fans 

If you never use your ceiling fans in the summer, you’re missing out on a great opportunity to increase comfort and energy efficiency. By making the room feel roughly four degrees cooler, the wind chill effect from running a ceiling fan enables you to dial up the thermostat without getting uncomfortable. Keep in mind, fans cool people, not rooms, so shut them off when you leave the area.

2. Be Smart With Your Windows 

In terms of managing your home’s temperature, windows can be your best friends or your worst enemies. The trick is learning how to use them effectively based on the weather:

• On cool but sunny days, raise the blinds to let the sunshine in so it can warm your home naturally.
• On very warm days, open windows on opposite sides of the home to generate a cooling cross-breeze. If allergies are a concern, it’s better to instead run your air conditioning system to prevent pollen from getting in.
• On hot days, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows to minimize solar heat gain and postpone the need for air conditioning.

3. Cook Outside

Using the oven or stovetop can make your home hotter, making your cooling system work harder and use more power. Make the most of the lovely spring weather by shifting your cooking outdoors. Grilling is an excellent way to get some fresh air while keeping your house cool and comfortable. Plus, when you start grilling season early, you avoid the severe heat and bothersome mosquitoes of summer.

4. Spring Clean with a Mission 

Spring cleaning is a habit that provides a fresh, organized home just in time for summer weather. You may not know, but spring cleaning is also an opportunity to increase your home’s energy efficiency. As you go through your home and freshen up, put emphasis on areas that can impede airflow and, as a result, increase your home’s power bills. Here are some places to tackle:

• • Clean ceiling fan blades and set them to operate counterclockwise.
• Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks around windows and doors.
• Clean sliding glass door tracks to reduce air leakage.
• Replace the HVAC air filter to encourage optimal airflow.
• Remove debris from around the outdoor AC unit to enhance performance.
• Clean the coils underneath or behind the refrigerator to reduce the power required to keep your food cold.
• Wipe down light fixtures and replace outdated incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.

5. Get Your Air Conditioner a Tune Up

A seasonal AC check-up prepares your air conditioner for the summer’s heat. Although you can complete a couple of tasks yourself, such as changing the air filter and clearing away obstructions from the outside unit, only a pro can clean the evaporator coil, lubricate moving parts and top off the refrigerant. Seasonal maintenance can go a long ways to help decrease a home’s power use, promote more reliable performance and make your equipment last longer. Arrange service with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning in the spring to ensure your system is ready to do its best when you need it most.

6. Show Your Air Ducts Some TLC

Spring is the ideal time to address your home’s ductwork. Sealing and insulating the ductwork helps conditioned air get to its destination more easily. In addition, a good duct cleaning eliminates debris buildup, ensuring air moves smoothly through the system. These ductwork services save power and improve indoor air quality, making your home a more enjoyable place to be during the summer.

7. Upgrade for Energy Efficiency  

Consider upgrading your HVAC system or major appliances to energy-efficient models this spring. ENERGY STAR-certified products use less power without losing performance. Improvements require an investment, but you can expect substantial power bill savings and a more comfortable, sustainable dwelling. These improvements also improve a home’s value if you ever decide to sell the residence. Spring is an opportune time for HVAC updates, as contractors are generally less busy, so that it is easier to set up the installation at a convenient time for you.   

Count on Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for Your HVAC Needs in Calgary this Spring 

For assistance using any of these tips this spring, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. We offer affordable, energy-efficient cooling services in Calgary to save you money all year long. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can trust us to provide comfort and peace of mind. For excellent service that makes a positive impact on your daily life, call 403-279-5760 today!