California homeowners can do a lot to beat the summer heat while maximizing HVAC efficiency. If you’re worried about eye-popping energy bills during heat waves, it is important to plan. Keep your home cool without jeopardizing efficiency by using these eight tips.
1. Schedule a Late Spring Tune-Up
Every additional year that an HVAC system goes without a tune-up can subtract as much as 10% of its efficiency. The inefficiency compounds over the years, leading to worsened operation. AC components struggle to operate properly, leading to further compounding of the problem.
Many residents ask our AC maintenance technicians to perform late-spring tune-ups of their HVAC systems. We lubricate moving parts like fans, blower motors, and dampers to ensure the best possible operation.
Our technicians also check the tension on motor belts. We will test your HVAC refrigerant line to make sure it’s properly pressurized. Outside, our technicians will verify that the condenser coils are clean and free of ice. Also, we will check the capacitors to make sure they’re not at risk of failure.
Keeping the HVAC controls working well is also important. We will test the system to see if it has recently logged any errors. In the same spirit, we will also run it to see how long it operates and whether it hits the expected temperature. If we need to replace the thermostat or other sensors, we can typically handle that work quickly. The job may merely call for recalibrating the system.
2. Regular Filter Replacements
Even a small amount of filter clogging can significantly affect HVAC efficiency. This is particularly true if your system uses HEPA filters to maximize indoor air quality. You should check the regular filters and pre-filters in your system every three months. It’s wise to check the HEPA filters every six months. Otherwise, the HVAC can end up starved for airflow and working harder to provide the same level of cooling.
Homeowners should also know if there are other filtration systems in their house besides the ones attached to the AC. For example, you might have an air purifier that has an activated charcoal filter to keep the air smelling fresh. This is another filter that can clog and cause efficiency issues.
High household demand on filters will change your schedule. Families with multiple furry pets, for example, should check their filters every month until they’re confident that unusual buildup isn’t developing. The same idea applies if someone in your household smokes indoors or if your place is close to a pollution source like a busy intersection.
3. Add a Smart Thermostat
One of the simplest upgrades for maximizing HVAC efficiency ahead of California’s summer heat is a smart thermostat. This is a device that adds major functionality to your home’s HVAC. A smart thermostat offers a high level of programmability, letting you determine when the AC will run. If you’re not going to be home at the peak of afternoon heat, it’s a good idea to program the smart thermostat to use less cooling during that time. This is great for folks who work and families with kids in school.
Some of today’s smart thermostats also have AI modules for improved efficiency. These systems can track how you use your AC over a couple of weeks. As the smart thermostat develops a record of your habits and preferences, it will start to automatically set the temperature. Doing so removes the human element, ensuring that no one forgets to set the thermostat higher during a heat wave.
Another big potential benefit is connectivity with utility systems’ pricing servers. Some smart thermostats can connect to servers that tell them what the current demand on the grid is and how the electric company is pricing consumption. Many utility providers offer discounted rates or rebates to customers who schedule their consumption for off-peak hours. That way, you can cool your house when energy is cheapest, and demand is lowest.
4. Target Sensible Temperatures
A modest adjustment in your thermostat during peak hours can save you a lot of money. The optimal target is 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the afternoon peak. You also should avoid a target below 75 degrees on days with extreme weather or prolonged heat that lasts far into the night.
5. Install Attic Insulation
Having a barrier between your living area and the hottest part of your house, its roof, makes a difference. Attic insulation keeps the beating heat on the roof from penetrating as quickly into your home. This reduces AC run times and ensures that more of the cool air stays inside.
6. Eliminate Indoor Heat Sources
Paying to create heat only to subsequently pay to cool it isn’t a great way to be efficient. Avoid using the stove and oven for prolonged periods during the peak hours for heat. If you want hot meals, consider prepping the food and then microwaving the dishes when it’s time to eat. You can then cook when it’s cooler and have food ready for lunch and dinner.
The same goes for running appliances that generate lots of heat. Don’t do laundry or use the dishwasher during the peak heat.
Large indoor gatherings aren’t ideal for efficiency, either. If you plan to have a party or a family event, move the proceedings outside. It’s cheaper to deploy an awning or canopy than it is to pay for additional cooling for guests.
7. Shade
Even something as simple as closing the curtains or blinds on the sunward side of your house can keep heat from building up as quickly. Thermal or blackout curtains are a good option for preventing heat transfer on hot days. You might also want to consider a smart shade system to automate the process of closing the blinds.
8. HVAC Zoning
Nearly all houses cool unevenly. One side might get too much sun, and the other could be shaded. The upstairs is often hotter than the downstairs. HVAC zoning targets the warmest areas while reducing cooling to the zones that don’t need it. Using dampers and fans, our technicians can configure your home’s airflow to maximize efficiency.
Some homeowners also reduce output in specific rooms. You can do this manually by closing vents. For example, you might have a guest bedroom or craft room that isn’t in regular use. Just close the vents to limit how much cooling capacity those spaces are consuming. There are also automated systems that can handle this work.
Greiner Heating and Air is the local cooling services expert in Dixon, CA. We also cover communities in the surrounding area. We specialize in residential work, and our technicians can perform a home energy audit to help you find ways to improve your AC efficiency. You can also ask us about repairs, upgrades, and maintenance to promote efficiency. We are thorough and honest in advising our customers, putting their comfort first.
If you have questions about maximizing HVAC efficiency during the summer heat in Dixon, contact Greiner Heating and Air right now to discuss your options.
