Living in Northglenn, CO means you have lots of fun ways to stay busy and active during the summer. With the hot summer temperatures, you’ll love relaxing by the water and enjoying other outdoor activities. Keeping your home cool during the warmer weather, however, can get quite expensive. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to keep cooling costs to a minimum during the summer in Colorado.
Keep an Eye on the Air Filter
Changing the air filter on a regular basis is one of the easiest ways to reduce cooling expenses. Your HVAC has to work much harder to cool your house when air filters clog with dust, grime and other particles. With the airflow restricted, you might notice hot spots in your home in addition to higher energy bills. You can improve the system’s efficiency and save money on energy costs by changing the filter every one to three months. If you use a ductless air conditioner, you’ll need to keep the filter changed every two weeks.
Achieve an Optimal Humidity Level
Humidity levels in Colorado during the summer are often very high. The extra moisture makes the air feel warmer than it actually is, which might tempt you to keep the AC running around the clock. To avoid this problem, you can use a dehumidifier to keep the interior humidity level between 30% and 50%. This will make the air feel cooler and more comfortable. You’ll be able to set the thermostat higher to save money without sacrificing comfort. A lot of homeowners in Colorado install HVAC systems with built-in dehumidifiers. These setups provide whole-house dehumidification for the best comfort possible.
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
You can configure your home’s temperature to change on its own while you’re not there by using a programmable thermostat. While you’re away, you can set it to crank up the temperature, and when you get back, you can turn it down. This little tweak helps cut down on energy by avoiding wasteful cooling. If you want remote access to the thermostat to achieve even more savings, you’ll need to install a smart version.
Consider Installing Reflective Window Film
You may want to install reflective window film to deflect a lot of solar heat. You won’t have to use the air conditioner as often, which means cheaper cooling costs. Plus, it shields the interior of your house from damaging UV rays while letting natural light in.
Set Ceiling Fans to Spin Counterclockwise
Another great way to keep your home cooler without cranking up the AC is to use ceiling fans. However, you must make sure the blades rotate in the correct direction. To maximize the cooling effect, they should rotate counterclockwise. This blade direction pushes cool air down toward the floor, helping a room feel several degrees cooler. This means you can raise the thermostat a couple of degrees to save energy without decreasing comfort. Just remember to reverse the blade direction in the winter to help lower heating costs.
Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
If any of your doors or windows have air leaks, this will make the air conditioner use more energy. To prevent this, it’s a good idea to regularly check for gaps and seal them using weatherstripping or caulk. If you’re not comfortable sealing the leaks yourself, we can help.
Fix Air Leaks in Ductwork
It’s equally important to regularly check for air leaks in your ductwork. However, this is a job that’s always best left to the pros. Leaky ducts let cool air escape before it reaches its intended destination. As a result, the AC will use more energy, and your cooling costs will go up. We recommend having a professional check for duct leaks at least once a year. We’ll seal any leaks we find using mastic sealant, metal tape or aerosol-based sealants.
Use Natural Ventilation
Another way to lower the load on your air conditioner is to open the windows to let in some cooler air. The ideal times to accomplish this are in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are usually lower. Just be sure to take note of the air quality outside; it may have an impact on your health if there is a great deal of pollution or pollen. Otherwise, letting in fresh air via open windows is an excellent energy-efficient cooling strategy.
Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. is here to answer any questions you may have about reducing your cooling costs. We offer AC repairs, installations and tune-ups to keep your energy bills as low as possible. Call Unique Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. now to access the best AC services in Northglenn.
