Budget-Friendly Ways to Keep Your Home Cool: Tips from the Experts
There’s nothing better than coming into a comfortably cool home on a hot summer day, but many homeowners are concerned about rising energy costs and potential HVAC expenses. US households spend around 12% of their total energy bills on air conditioning. Let's explore experts' advice on a cool home environment and maintaining the HVAC system to reduce energy bills properly.
Maximizing HVAC efficiency on a budget
Regular HVAC maintenance is important for homeowners looking to save money on utility bills and costly repairs over time. By servicing your HVAC regularly, you can prevent issues that could reduce efficiency, like dirty filters, clogged ducts, or faulty parts. A well-maintained HVAC uses less energy and optimizes airflow and temperature regulation, keeping your living spaces consistently comfortable.
Tips from the experts
Here are some expert-recommended tips to maximize HVAC efficiency while staying on a budget:
What are some practical tips for maximizing the efficiency of my existing heating and cooling system without necessarily replacing it?
I think homeowners underestimate the small steps that can be taken to improve heating and cooling efficiency. Old air filters, constantly changing the thermostat, and air seeping in through cracks around doors, windows, and even your attic can raise utility bills. Be sure to change your air filter regularly. An old filter can reduce airflow and make your HVAC work harder to cool and heat. You should always set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature. A thermostat set colder in the summer doesn’t cool your home faster - it’ll just run longer. Also, if you see light around exterior doors and windows, that means air is also coming in. Seal cracks with caulk or insulated foam tape to block the elements, and you’ll see improvements in your energy bills.
Also, regular heating and air preventative maintenance can ensure your home’s system operates at peak performance. Technicians perform tasks like changing filters, cleaning coils, and, most importantly, inspecting your system for safety and efficiency issues. They can provide recommendations for improving both. This can be crucial in avoiding HVAC problems when extreme weather hits and save you from expensive repairs or a total replacement.
Laura Foudray from Christian Brothers Air Conditioning Plumbing Electrical
Can you recommend any DIY maintenance tasks or routine inspections that can improve the efficiency and longevity of my HVAC system?
Proper HVAC maintenance is key to ensuring the efficiency and longevity of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Here are some essential tips to keep your HVAC system running smoothly: First, make it a habit to clean your air filters regularly. Clogged filters restrict airflow, making your system work harder and consume more energy. Aim to inspect and clean or replace your filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage. This is more important if you have a dog who sheds a lot, you might need to change it more often because pet hair can clog up the unit.
Second, consider upgrading your insulation. Proper insulation helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reducing the workload on your HVAC system. This not only enhances comfort but also lowers energy bills.
Third, schedule periodic inspections and maintenance by HVAC professionals. Regular check-ups can identify potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs. Technicians can also tune up your system for optimal performance, ensuring it operates efficiently throughout the year.
Last, keep the area around your indoor and outdoor units clean and clear of debris. Trim any vegetation around outdoor units to ensure proper airflow and remove any obstructions near indoor units. This simple step can prevent airflow restrictions and system malfunctions.
By following these tips, you can maximize the efficiency and lifespan of your HVAC system while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment for years to come.
Melissa Vera from Adventures Of Frugal Mom
What is an HVAC load calculator, and what are the benefits?
An HVAC load calculator is a tool used to determine a building's heating and cooling requirements based on factors such as its size, insulation, orientation, and local climate conditions. By inputting relevant data, such as square footage, building materials, and occupancy patterns, the calculator can accurately estimate the heating or cooling capacity needed to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
One of the benefits of using an HVAC load calculator are manifold is that it ensures that the HVAC system is properly sized, preventing the installation of units that are either too large, leading to excessive energy consumption and frequent cycling, or too small, resulting in inadequate heating or cooling. Additionally, a properly sized HVAC system can operate more efficiently, resulting in reduced energy waste and lowered utility bills. The calculator can help homeowners or HVAC professionals make informed decisions about system upgrades, retrofits, or adjustments to improve comfort and energy efficiency when the heating and cooling loads are correctly determined.
Mitesh Patel from EDS.Tech
What HVAC maintenance steps should homeowners regularly perform?
Homeowners should regularly perform several HVAC maintenance steps to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of their heating and cooling systems. These steps include:
Changing or cleaning air filters every 90 days, or more frequently if there are pets in the home. This helps maintain good air quality and prevents the system from overworking
Sweeping the area around the outdoor HVAC unit to prevent dirt and debris from affecting its performance
Checking and changing thermostat batteries as needed to ensure uninterrupted operation
Clearing drain pans of any standing water to prevent overflow and water damage
Performing outdoor unit maintenance by cleaning condenser coils and removing any outdoor debris
Additionally, homeowners can incorporate steam cleaning into their HVAC maintenance routine. Steam cleaning helps eliminate odors, allergens, and dust mites while improving indoor air quality. Using steam can also reduce the need for air filter replacements and contribute to energy efficiency.
Lev Tretyakov from Fortador Steamers
What would you recommend to customers when installing a new HVAC system in their home?
Your HVAC system is the single largest user of energy in your home, making it one of your biggest household expenses. When thinking about installing a new HVAC system, it’s important to start by asking the right questions.
Select a Qualified Installer: Partner with a reputable installer to guarantee a system tailored to your home’s unique needs.
Evaluate Repair vs. Replacement: Consider the age, maintenance record, and efficiency of your current system. Often, investing in a modern, efficient unit offers long-term savings.
Address Specific Concerns: Identify issues like uneven temperatures, high humidity, or high energy bills. Customize the system to resolve issues.
Insist on Professional Installation: Choose a licensed contractor who adheres to regulations and secures the necessary permits, ensuring your system’s optimal performance and durability.
Anticipate Maintenance Needs: Understand the maintenance your new system will require to maintain peak efficiency.
Communicate with Your Contractor: Don’t hesitate to ask questions. A professional contractor will value your engagement and strive to keep your system running smoothly.
By focusing on these key areas, you’ll enhance your home’s energy efficiency and ensure a comfortable living environment. Find a contractor or more resources on our site.
Can I perform any routine maintenance tasks on my HVAC system to prolong its lifespan and improve its efficiency?
As homeowners, ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your HVAC systems is paramount. Not only does proper maintenance prolong the lifespan of the system, but it also contributes to energy savings and optimal indoor comfort.
When it comes to maintenance, homeowners can choose between preventative and corrective maintenance strategies. While corrective maintenance addresses issues as they arise, preventative maintenance focuses on proactive measures to prevent problems before they occur. Upon installation, HVAC professionals typically offer preventative maintenance plans, scheduling checkups every 3 to 6 months. These routine inspections involve basic assessments to ensure all components are functioning optimally.
Advancements in technology, such as Inverter/VRF controllers, have revolutionized HVAC maintenance. These control devices act as a bridge between HVAC systems and smart home devices like smart thermostats, offer homeowners greater control and insight into their HVAC systems and the ability to detect maintenance issues early at a low cost. HVAC Inverter/VRF control devices provide real-time monitoring capabilities, enabling homeowners to detect issues in real-time and take corrective action at a minimal cost. This proactive approach significantly reduces the likelihood of system failure, particularly during high-demand seasons like summer.
For homeowners Inverter (VRF & mini-split) heat pumps, adapting the temperature needs to the unit's usage is key to maximizing efficiency. Integrating smart thermostats or remote control capabilities, alongside Inverter/VRF control technology, further enhances control and efficiency.
By incorporating these routine maintenance tasks into your HVAC system care regimen, you can prolong the lifespan of your system, improve its efficiency, and enjoy greater comfort while minimizing energy costs. With the right maintenance approach and smart home technology, homeowners can ensure their HVAC systems operate smoothly year-round.
Victoria Garcia Massimo from Airzone Control
Affordable air conditioning solutions
Failing to stay on top of maintenance or utilize practical tips can increase energy bills.
Optimizing AC usage to minimize energy consumption
Here are some tips to keep your home cool without energy waste
Set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, ideally around 78°F, to reduce the workload on your AC unit
Use a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures when you're away to save energy automatically
Keep windows and doors closed while your AC is running to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering
Use ceiling fans to help circulate the cool air better. This allows you to set the thermostat a bit higher without feeling less comfortable
Regularly clean or replace your AC's air filters, and get professional maintenance checks
Tips from the experts
The drawbacks of setting the thermostat to a very low temperature in an attempt to cool the home faster and how this can lead to wasted energy and potential system damage
I’ve been a service tech with AtlasCare for 25 years, and I’ve come across this many times. We have a situation where the house is extremely hot, and in an attempt to cool it faster, the thermostat is set at a very low temperature (below 20C). This is a very common thing for a homeowner to do, as one would think it’s not a problem to just set the thermostat very low, hoping that doing so will cool down the home faster. Unfortunately, doing this can actually harm the unit, in addition to causing very costly repairs.
The system can create ice above the furnace, which will eventually melt and leak water onto the electronics and motor. Instead of adjusting the thermostat, I have always told customers to check and change the filter and to close all of the registers in the basement. This will help to push the cool air to the top floor and pull the warm humid air down to the furnace to be cooled and dehumidified. It is also important to keep the AC coils clean for best performance and efficiency. This is why I’m a big believer in regular maintenance, as a clean system uses less hydro than a dirty one.
Having a clean system will not only pay for itself but also save you money in hydro operating costs. When your home is hot, set your thermostat at your regular cooling set point (20-25 degrees is optimal) and let it run. Remember that this can sometimes take up to 24 hours to dehumidify the air and cool the home.
Jeff Eaton from AtlasCare
What are some common mistakes homeowners make when setting the thermostat for their air conditioning system, and how can these mistakes impact energy efficiency and comfort?
In addressing the common mistakes homeowners make when setting their air conditioning system's thermostat, a critical perspective reveals how these errors can significantly impact both energy efficiency and comfort. A prevalent oversight is the tendency to set the thermostat at an excessively low temperature in an attempt to cool the home faster. This practice does not speed up the cooling process; instead, it leads to overworking the system, thereby reducing energy efficiency and increasing utility bills.
Another frequent misstep is neglecting the influence of sunlight and internal heat sources when positioning the thermostat. Thermostats exposed to direct sunlight or near heat-emitting appliances may register an inaccurately high temperature, causing the air conditioning system to operate longer than necessary. This not only wastes energy but also strains the system, potentially leading to premature wear and tear.
Furthermore, overlooking the benefits of programmable or smart thermostats is a missed opportunity for enhancing both energy savings and comfort. These devices allow for the customization of cooling patterns based on occupancy and time of day, optimizing the system’s operation and reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Addressing these common mistakes by making small adjustments to thermostat settings and considering the placement and capabilities of your thermostat can lead to significant improvements in energy efficiency and overall home comfort.
Maria Khuramishina from Home Alliance
Optimal Ductless Mini-Split AC Placement: A Homeowner's Guide
In the quest for summer comfort, the strategic placement of a Ductless Mini-Split AC can transform your home into an oasis of cool. Here's a simplified guide to placing your unit for maximum efficiency and comfort.
Avoid the middle: Positioning your Mini-Split centrally can make it a distracting focal point and hinder air circulation. Instead, aim for a spot that allows for more discreet integration into your room's layout, enhancing airflow without drawing undue attention
Go high: Install the unit near the ceiling, ideally, 6 inches below, to leverage cool air's natural downward flow, ensuring efficient room coverage and comfort
Exterior walls are key: Use an exterior wall for easy condensation drainage, avoiding the pitfalls of pump failures. This choice simplifies installation and minimizes maintenance, ensuring long-lasting performance
Focus on hot spots: Direct airflow towards areas that typically warm up quickly, such as spots with direct sunlight or electronic appliances. This targeted cooling approach brings down temperatures where it's most needed, optimizing comfort
The placement of your Ductless Mini-Split AC significantly impacts its performance. By choosing a non-central location, installing it high on an exterior wall, and targeting the unit’s cooling power, you can achieve a balanced, efficient cooling system. These considerations will not only enhance your Mini-Split's effectiveness but also integrate it seamlessly into your living space, making it a smart addition to your home’s comfort strategy.
Ryan Shirley from Picture Rocks Cooling Heating & Plumbing
Alternative cooling methods
These methods can lower energy use and costs and have a smaller environmental impact. Natural ventilation, shading, and passive cooling techniques offer more sustainable solutions. Diversifying cooling strategies also increases resilience against power outages or AC issues, maintaining comfort during hot weather.
Natural ventilation: Opening windows and doors to allow cross ventilation can help circulate fresh air throughout the home, reducing the need for mechanical cooling
Ceiling fans: Ceiling fans help circulate air and create a breeze, making the home feel cooler without necessarily lowering the room temperature
Shading and insulation: Installing shades or reflective films on windows can block out direct sunlight and reduce solar heat gain, keeping indoor spaces cooler. Proper insulation in walls, ceilings, and attics helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature
Evaporative coolers: Also known as swamp coolers, evaporative coolers use water to cool and humidify the air. They are more energy-efficient than traditional AC units, particularly in dry climates
Tips from the experts
What's your best advice for keeping your home cool without using the AC?
Don't underestimate the cooling effects of fans. If you'll be in one room for an extended period, running a fan can make it feel about 4° cooler. If you can't put ceiling fans in your living or sleeping areas, invest in a few oscillating fans that you can easily move from room to room. If you can open windows on opposite sides of the house, a window fan is very effective in pulling and pushing air through your home.
Another affordable investment is light or medium-colored curtains with a thermal backing. These curtains can reflect heat coming through your windows or glass doors, especially those that receive direct sunlight. If you can install awnings or shutters over those windows, even better.
In addition to keeping heat out of your home, avoid creating heat when you can. Prepare meals in a slow cooker, air frye, or outdoor grill rather than the oven. Use the 'air dry' setting on your dishwasher.
A few simple tricks can also help you stay cooler. Wear breathable fabrics and drink plenty of water. Also, dampen a few washcloths and put them in the freezer. When you feel hot, place a cold towel on your wrists or neck.
Andrea Norris-McKnight from The Dollar Stretcher
Are there any environmentally friendly or sustainable options for window treatments that can help keep my home cool?
Window treatments may not be the first solution homeowners consider when evaluating how to keep their homes cool, but selecting the right shades can garner huge benefits and energy savings. In fact, without energy-efficient window coverings, a home can lose up to 30% of heating and cooling energy through its windows, according to the Department of Energy.
Luckily, homeowners have a reliable source to help them choose the right shades to keep their homes cool. The Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) is an independent organization partially funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. Its mission is to provide consumers with reliable information about the energy performance of window attachments like blinds, cellular shades, roller and solar shades, awnings, and more.
Hunter Douglas offers several styles that are AERC-certified, meeting the highest standards for thermal performance. These include Duette® and Applause® Honeycomb Shades, Vignette® Modern Roman Shades, Sonnette® Cellular Roller Shades and select Designer Screen Shades.
The options to keep cool don’t stop there. Homeowners can pair energy efficiency with convenience and control when they opt to enhance their shades with PowerView® Automation. PowerView enables precise control over shade positioning throughout the day – shades can move on a schedule or be automated to respond to insulation needs based on the amount of incoming heat and sunlight at any given time. By optimizing natural light and minimizing solar heat gain, PowerView has recently earned AERC certification for its ability to enhance the energy-saving benefits of window treatments.
The AERC-certified portfolio of Hunter Douglas shades and the PowerView® Automation System represents a blend of design, technology, and sustainability, ideal for homeowners looking for additional ways to optimize their energy efficiency while maintaining style and comfort.
Scott Stephenson from Hunter Douglas
Investment protection
One way to ensure your home is protected is through home warranty coverage, which provides financial protection when your home systems and appliances need repair or replacement, particularly concerning HVAC systems.
Benefits of a home warranty for HVAC systems
Your HVAC system plays a key role in keeping your home cool. Like any mechanical system, it's susceptible to wear and tear over time. Homeowners can avoid significant out-of-pocket expenses associated with HVAC repairs or replacements by paying a modest annual fee and a nominal service fee per claim.
Here's why having a home warranty for your HVAC system is invaluable:
Financial protection: HVAC repairs or replacements can be expensive, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. A home warranty covers the costs associated with repairing or replacing covered components of your HVAC system
Tranquility: You can rest assured knowing that if your HVAC system malfunctions unexpectedly, you have a reliable solution to address the issue promptly. This is particularly valuable during extreme weather conditions when HVAC failures can disrupt comfort and safety
Convenience: Dealing with HVAC breakdowns can be stressful and inconvenient, especially when finding a reputable technician and scheduling repairs. Home warranties typically have a network of pre-screened service providers, simplifying the process and ensuring timely repairs
Tips for selecting a home warranty provider
Use the following tips to ensure you select a reputable company with affordable plans tailored to your needs:
Research providers: Take the time to research multiple home warranty providers, comparing coverage options, pricing, customer reviews, and service quality
Check coverage limits and exclusions: Review the coverage limits and terms of each plan carefully to ensure they align with your expectations and needs, especially regarding HVAC coverage
Evaluate service quality: Look for a provider with a strong network of qualified technicians who can promptly address repair issues. Customer reviews and ratings can provide insights into the service quality of each provider
Consider pricing and deductibles: Compare the annual premiums and service call fees (deductibles) of different plans to find the best value for your budget.
Keeping up with your home’s cooling systems means implementing budget-friendly strategies such as optimizing HVAC efficiency, utilizing natural ventilation, and leveraging shading techniques. Homeowners can effectively beat the heat while keeping energy costs in check using the expert tips in this article.