How to Stay Energy Efficient This Summer

Just because temperatures continue to rise this summer, doesn’t mean that your energy bills have to. At Ball Heating and Air Conditioning, we’re here to help you save energy at home and keep your energy bills under control all summer long with these four energy-efficient tips!

Air Filter Maintenance 

Air filters are known to protect your heating and air conditioning system from dirt and debris, providing the homeowner with fresh, clean air. It should be noted that air filters do not come in just one size, and it’s recommended they should be changed out every 4-6 weeks. 

Neglecting your air filter may result in a strain to your air handler fan motor, causing it to burn out, overheat and fail. This then puts a strain on your pocket when you need a replacement in the middle of summer. Our advice – keep a few extra filters on hand. If you’re forgetful, put a reminder in your phone to switch them out regularly.

Use A Fan

Buying and using a box fan or ceiling fan is a small investment that can help reduce your energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, keeping your house set to 78 degrees is an ideal indoor temperature during the summer when you’re at home. When you’re away, if you have a box fan or ceiling fan, it won’t hurt to set your thermostat four degrees higher to 82 degrees. Doing this will not make your home unbearable and will save you money on your utility bills. 

Always remember that when using fans, make sure to turn them counterclockwise in the summer so that air will push down and create a cool breeze. When you leave the room or your house, turn off your fans. Fans are not meant to cool the space, they’re meant to cool the person occupying the room via a wind chill effect. 

Windows and Blinds

Certain places and times of the year are substantially cooler, making it a treat to open your windows overnight to enjoy the crisp, fresh air while you sleep. To create a tunnel of cool air coming into your home, crack a window on one side of your home, and do the same for the opposite side of your home, this time sticking a fan in the second window. Doing this allows you to quickly get any hot air out of your house and allows the cool air to come in. 

Did you know that up to 30% of unwanted heat can enter your home through your windows via the greenhouse effect? Sunlight and heat can enter but has trouble escaping. This can make your home feel humid and even sticky. To avoid this, make sure that your blinds are closed throughout the day to avoid any sunlight or hot air coming in through your windows or window leaks. A bonus: purchase black-out curtains for the added effect of coolness. 

Eat Out 

Eating out can mean one of two things – grill outside during the summer or literally go out to eat more often! Any usage of kitchen appliances such as your oven, stove or microwave is only going to heat up your home, making it even hotter inside than you’re comfortable with. 

Grilling or treating yourself to dinner helps avoid raising the temperature inside your home by up to 10 degrees and ultimately helps you save on air conditioning costs at the end of the month. 

Ball Heating and AC

Your home and your comfort are our responsibility. Now that you have a few different energy-saving techniques to try out, try and challenge yourself to see how much money you can save by practicing these tips. If by chance you don’t see any improvement, contact Ball Heating and Air Conditioning, and let us help you get comfortable again.