When you’re going through heat waves in Modesto, California, during the warmer months of the year, it can be easy to keep your HVAC system continuously running. When you attempt to keep your home cool this way, though, it can come at a high cost as you increase your energy usage. There are a few ways to prepare your home for summer to use less electricity and reduce your carbon footprint.
1. Maintain the HVAC System
Keeping up with the maintenance of your air conditioner is necessary to ensure it only uses the energy it needs to control the temperature in your home without working too hard. Replace the air filter every one to two months to ensure there’s enough airflow and to improve the air quality. You can also hire a professional to inspect the system’s parts to determine if any of them need to be replaced.
2. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat to prevent the temperature in your home from fluctuating too much. This will allow you to increase the temperature when you’re not at home to avoid using as much energy.
3. Turn Off Your Electricity
Allow your electrical system to have a break by shutting off the electrical panel when the home is unoccupied for more than two or three days. You can shut off the electric water heater, unplug electronics from outlets, and turn off the air conditioner until you return. Repairs can also be made to the electrical panel by a company like The Electric Company.
4. Use the Right Size of AC
It can be easy to use more energy than necessary if your air conditioner isn’t properly sized for your home. Search around for an efficient model that is more advanced but isn’t oversized or undersized. Oversized appliances can use more energy than necessary to cool the home, and undersized appliances can constantly be in use as they struggle to lower the temperature in the home.
5. Perform a Home Energy Audit
Home energy audits can be performed before the summer season to find new ways you can save more money on your electricity bills. This may require adding more insulation to your attic or adding caulk to cracks and holes that are present. You can even install new energy-efficient windows that make it easier to keep the cool air indoors as the temperatures rise outside.
Contact us today to learn more ways you can prepare your home for the summer season to keep your energy usage low while using your air conditioner. We can answer your questions and help you find new ways to avoid using more electricity without compromising your level of comfort in your home.
