Living in the desert has its challenges. With temperatures in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley already reaching the 90s in March, it’s time to start thinking ahead about cooling your home in the summer months. Your air conditioning is already working hard, but there are ways to help it operate more efficiently. Being proactive can enable you to be kind to the environment and kind to your wallet.
Here are 5 ways that you can save electricity and money when cooling your home this summer:
- Check your filters. Do this often! With your AC running around the clock, it’s a good idea to change your filter or clean it, if you have the washable kind, on a monthly basis. Also, look at your filter’s minimum efficiency reporting value, or MERV, which ranges from 1 to 12 for home AC units. A higher number means better filtration. However, it may require more energy for air to flow through it. Consult a professional to balance air-quality concerns with energy costs.
- Keep drapes and blinds close to keep out direct sunlight. This is a simple but often overlooked way to keep your home cooler—and you don’t have to live in a cave! Just be mindful of the direction of the sun’s movement (east to west) and how your home is positioned. For instance, before leaving for work in the morning, you can close the blinds on windows that directly face the sun during the daytime hours.
- Minimize usage of heat-generating appliances during the hottest hours of the day. There’s good reason that “summer fare” is grilled chicken and not oven-roasted turkey. Heat-generating appliances will raise the temperature inside your home. Plus, utility companies typically charge higher rates during peak hours, so whenever possible, use these appliances at night.
Supplement your air system with a dehumidifier. When incorporated with your central AC unit, whole-house dehumidifiers can help to control the moisture in your home’s air. Since humid air feels hotter, a dehumidifier can help to eliminate the need for excess air conditioning—therefore, saving electricity. Some dehumidifiers perform better than others, so this is another area where a professional can offer sound advice. - Consider an upgrade to a high-efficiency system. If you’re looking to replace your current system, a high-efficiency unit may be a worthwhile purchase. It can also be a good investment to make if you’re looking to eventually sell your home, too. Efficiency is measured by SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). A higher SEER rating means higher efficiency and less electricity usage. Like a dehumidifier, a high-efficiency system can also help to remove moisture from the air. This is an important benefit because mold and other airborne problems can develop when air is cooled too fast without proper moisture removal.
Timo’s Team Can Help
Ready for a seasonal tune-up or considering your next AC purchase? Timo’s comfort specialists are here to help—from offering our best practices for the summer season to helping you make an equipment selection. We’ll advise on the best AC unit based on the style and size of your home, as well as your cooling needs.
Set up a free estimate today by calling 760-770-HELP or schedule service online.
