4 Effective Ways to Cut Your Home’s Cooling Costs

With all the warm weather in Palm Beach, Florida, your air conditioner is essential for keeping you and your family comfortable all year. Since a large portion of your utility bills comes from operating your AC, you can conserve money and energy and even increase your home’s resale value by significantly cutting your cooling costs. Save by upgrading your HVAC system, maintaining it regularly, using a dehumidifier, and changing your landscaping.

Upgrading Your HVAC System

You can set a programmable thermostat to turn down your HVAC system while you’re asleep or at work and then return it to a more comfortable temperature before you come home. That way, you can save energy without sacrificing comfort. Some models have separate settings for weekdays and weekends, and others have options for every day of the week and vacations or holidays. Many programmable thermostats also provide data about your energy use and your indoor air quality.

You can also upgrade your HVAC system to a ductless unit. If you have an older air conditioner, a new model will help you avoid inconvenient, costly breakdowns and keep you more comfortable. Ductless or mini-split HVAC systems have one or more indoor units connected to an outdoor unit with a conduit for refrigerant instead of ductwork. You won’t have to use extra energy to move conditioned air through ducts, and you can control your indoor units separately to avoid wasting power on unoccupied rooms.

Maintaining Your Unit Regularly

You should have your HVAC unit maintained by an expert at least once per year. That way, you can avoid wear and tear and extend your system’s life. You can also have issues like refrigerant leaks, clogged ductwork, or a malfunctioning thermostat repaired before they start wasting energy and become more severe.

You should also replace your HVAC system’s air filter once per month. A dirty filter forces your unit to work harder to push conditioned air through it. It can also spread contaminants like dirt, dust, pollen, or pet dander to other parts of your home. Make sure there is plenty of airflow around your outdoor unit by trimming the surrounding plants and shrubs. Keep away debris like grass clippings, twigs, and leaves.

Using a Dehumidifier

The area’s high humidity will make you feel warmer by keeping sweat from evaporating from your skin quickly. A dehumidifier will make you and your family feel cooler by removing moisture from the air. Since you won’t have to use your air conditioner as much, you’ll save power. You can also avoid pests and biological growth that thrives in areas with lots of moisture. You can choose a whole-home model or a more economical portable unit that can work on one or two rooms at a time.

Changing Your Landscaping

Your landscaping can help you conserve energy and increase your home’s value. Since it doesn’t have to work as hard, it also helps your HVAC system last longer. Plant shade trees near your house, and add an awning or a trellis for vines while you’re waiting for the trees to grow. An awning over your outdoor HVAC unit will save energy and protect it from debris. You can also choose smaller trees that grow quickly, like dogwood or crepe myrtle. Plant shrubs near your house’s outer walls for even more shade and extra insulation.

When you design your sidewalks, driveways, and gardens, use as little pavement as possible. It absorbs the sun’s heat and makes the area near your home warmer. Choose a light color so that your pavement will reflect as much light and heat as possible. Avoid big fences that could block cooling breezes.

Stephen K. Denny, Inc. can help you save energy, lower pollution, and reduce your cooling expenses. We have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, and you can count on us for all your comfort needs. For friendly, excellent service from our experts, call us anytime at (561) 250-7415.

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