Eight Home Energy Saving Tips

Here are our top energy saving tips from the service experts at So Cal Climate Control:

• Change the system’s filter each month to help it work properly.

• Install a programmable thermostat. Increasing the temperature two degrees to five degrees for the eight hours you’re at work can result in energy savings—but don’t turn off the system completely; it takes more energy to cool a hot house! For summer months, only set it as high as is comfortable.

• Install an attic fan. It can remove hot air from the attic so the air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard.

• Relocate the air conditioning unit to the shade. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than one in the sun.

• Use the ceiling fan only when you’re in the room. Running the fan doesn’t lower the temperature, but it does increase evaporation from your skin to help you feel cooler.

• Keep lamps, televisions, and other heat-producing appliances away from the thermostat.

• Close the blinds on the southwestern side of the house during the day.

• Avoid closing off vents in unused rooms. Cooling systems are designed to cool the whole house. Closing off vents can cause indoor cooling coils to freeze up.

Ways to Beat the High Costs of Cooling Down this Summer

Summer means starting up your home’s air conditioning system. Unfortunately, it can also heat up your utility bills.

So Cal Climate Control offers these energy auditing tips:

• First, have the system checked by a professional to make sure everything is running at peak efficiency.

• Second, check the level of insulation in your exterior and basement walls, ceilings, attic, floors, and crawl spaces. Check for holes or cracks around windows and doors and for open fireplace dampers. Also, look out for unsealed ducts in your attic, basement, and crawl spaces.

• Third, make sure nothing is blocking the system’s air return inlet, such as a piece of furniture or a rug. This could decrease the air conditioner’s performance.

• Lastly, look for ways to use natural light to reduce the time your lights are on, and replace your bulbs with the newer, high-efficient light bulbs and lamps.

Don’t forget to schedule your maintenance every 6 months with the experts here at SoCal Climate Control!