If you’re trying to cut back on energy expenses this summer, a hot New England summer might be getting in the way of your efforts. Making sure your home and AC system are working together to keep your home cool will help keep your bills in check. Here are five AC tips every Massachusetts homeowner should try out.
1. Annual Inspection
One of the most important AC tips is to have your unit cleaned, inspected, and tuned by an HVAC professional before the peak cooling season sets in. That way, you can be sure your system is up to the task and prevent any major repairs in the dog days of summer.
2. Replace Filters
Proper air flow is essential to an efficient system, and a clean air filter will ensure good air movement. Plus, summer is usually peak allergy season, and a clean filter will make sure the air quality in your home is high. Make sure you replace the air filter at least once per month and check it every other week when the AC is in heavy use.
3. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Setting the thermostat a bit higher when you’re away and overnight can shave dollars off your energy bills. A programmable thermostat will make this an easy job, and you won’t have to remember to do it several times per day. Some of the latest models will even learn your routines so you don’t have to fiddle with the settings every time your schedule changes!
4. Keep Cooled Air Inside
Weatherization is not just for winter comfort. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation throughout the home will not only make your home more comfortable, but it will also keep your cooling bills low. Sealing and insulating your ducts–especially those that are outside of cooled areas such as crawl spaces–will help cooled air reach its destination without picking up heat.
5. Maximize Comfort Zones
If you spend most of the day in one area of the house, it doesn’t make sense to cool down the entire home just to make that one space more comfortable. Instead, use ceiling and floor fans to boost the air circulation and create a bit of wind chill. The result is feeling cooler and more comfortable without having to run the air conditioner more often.
Easy AC Tips and Savings for MA Homeowners
These AC tips will keep your cooling bills low while helping to make your home kinder to the environment. If you’re looking for an “easy button” to make the process faster, we’ve got just the solution for you! Schedule a home energy assessment from Wattson Home Solutions, and you’ll receive:
- No-Cost Programmable Thermostat. We’ll provide you with a no-cost programmable thermostat to make savings a snap. Or, if you’re interested in a high-tech model, we’ll do the homework to see if you qualify for any thermostat rebates or incentives to reduce the cost.
- LED Bulb Replacements. Stop using outdated, overheating incandescent bulbs. Not only do LED lights use less energy, but they also will not raise the temperature of the surrounding area.
- Insulation Assessment. If your air conditioner is working hard to deliver cooled air to your home, letting warm air penetrate your home through the ceiling, crawl space, and walls will make the AC system work even harder–and cost more. You’ll learn whether your home is in need of extra insulation, or if your older home is missing insulation altogether! Then, we’ll help you qualify for rebates or the 0% HEAT loan and take care of the installation for you.
- Air Leak Sealing. We’ll inspect your home for air leaks–or small gaps and cracks in your home where expensive cooled air is seeping outside–and schedule a time to seal them all up.
- Rebates and Incentives. If you discover that your AC system is old, outdated, or in need of more repairs than it’s worth during an inspection, we’ll help you file and process the paperwork for Mass Save program rebates so you can get the best AC system for your budget.
The home energy assessment from Wattson Home Solutions is a great first step to weatherizing your New England home. To learn more about how we’ll help you save energy while shaving money from your energy bills, contact Wattson Home Solutions today!
