Winter has come to an end, and now’s the time to enjoy the spring! Chirping birds, sunny weather, and blooming flowers make springtime a season to look forward to. Something else you might be looking forward to is changing from heating your house to cooling it, and that means switching off the heat and reaching for your AC thermostat. However, sometimes your energy bills end up being an unpleasant surprise. As your local experts in AC maintenance and AC installation in Washington, DC, we’re here to help. Here are a few tips you can use to save money on HVAC costs this spring:
Open Those Windows
Keeping windows and doors open helps circulate air through your house, saving you money by eliminating the need for air conditioning. Plus, you might as well enjoy the spring weather while the temperatures are still pleasant. In later spring, when the days begin getting too hot to leave the windows open, open your windows at night and turn off your air conditioner. The air gets significantly cooler at night — so by letting nature do the work of your air conditioning system, you’ll be saving a bundle on your electricity bills.
Invest in a Smart Control Thermostat
Programmable thermostats enable you to control the temperature of your home from anywhere thanks to their Bluetooth or internet-connected technology (some even feature both)! Is no one in your house during the day while you’re working? Take full advantage of this opportunity to use your phone to set your thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re away at work. On milder days, you can even turn off the AC entirely from anywhere in the world. No more worrying about accidentally leaving the AC on during a weekend trip or a forgetful pet sitter racking up your cooling costs while you’re on vacation!
Block Out Sun With Blinds
The seasonal differences in saving money while heating and cooling your home couldn’t be more apparent when it comes to dealing with sunlight. In winter, it’s best to get as much sunlight into your home as possible. On warm or downright hot spring days, the sunlight beating down on you through your windows is the last thing you want. Invest in heavy light-blocking curtains or window treatments to block out sun rays, and you’ll notice a big difference in your ability to cool your home, even with older, more inefficient air conditioning systems.
Keep Cold Air Inside
Sealing up any drafty areas around your windows and doors isn’t just a tip to save money on HVAC costs in the winter! This money-saving tip also applies during the spring. That wonderful cold air coming from your cooling system can escape through even the smallest crack in your home, so be sure your home is properly insulated. That includes ensuring your attic or other ceiling insulation is up to the task of keeping cool air where it belongs — inside your home.
Use Ceiling Fans
Use your ceiling fans to cut back on air conditioning dependence this spring. Ceiling fans can cool a room up to 4 degrees Fahrenheit, so sometimes, you may even be able to get away with turning off your AC unit entirely!
Book an AC Tune-Up
One of the most common problems we notice when homeowners come to us for air conditioning repair is that old age combined with lack of care can turn AC systems from useful to useless in just a few years. Your air conditioning system needs to be tuned up every year in order to perform effectively. An AC tune-up includes important tasks like replacing the filter, cleaning out the blower motor, lubricating moving parts, and checking that your system can actually cool your home.
Skipping your tune-up might save you a few bucks short-term, but you’re sure to regret it later when you have to pay for a brand new system because your old one broke down after just a few years. If it’s been a while since you’ve had professionals look at your AC system. Book your tune-up with our team ASAP, and beat the summertime rush for AC service while you still can.
Upgrade Your System
The best thing you can do to save money on HVAC costs this spring is to invest in an Energy Star rated system with modern energy efficiency capabilities. Newer systems are not only better for our planet but also pay for themselves before you know it. You’ll be reducing energy consumption and keeping your home comfortable at the same time. What’s not to love about that?
Turn to Your Heating and Cooling Experts!
If you need AC service or just have questions about saving money on HVAC costs this spring, get in touch with our team today! Our friendly technicians are reliable, punctual, experienced, and ready to help with everything you need, all while keeping prices affordable, so you don’t have to pay a fortune just to relax in your home. We hope to hear from you soon and wish you good luck using these tips this spring!
