If the cooling and heating costs in your Yuma area home seem unusually high, there are some things you can do to conserve energy and lower your utility bills. High energy costs are often associated with inefficient HVAC equipment and air leaks in your home that make your system work harder to condition your air. These tips will help you control your energy costs as Southwest Arizona slides into its long hot summer.
Schedule preventive maintenance
An annual tuneup of your cooling system will not only increase its efficiency and lower your operating costs, but will also extend the life of the system and prevent mid-season breakdowns. A qualified HVAC technician will perform a comprehensive tuneup that includes tightening electrical connections and lubricating the moving parts of the system to reduce friction.
Change your air filter
A clean air filter in your HVAC system ensures optimum air flow to increase its efficiency. It also prevents dust from building up inside your equipment and causing extensive damage. Inspect your air filter monthly, and change it when you can no longer see through it.
Install a programmable thermostat
Controlling your energy costs is largely a matter of controlling your cooling and heating systems to ensure optimum comfort while you’re home and energy savings while you’re out. A programmable thermostat lets you control your heating and cooling equipment based on your regular schedule, and can save you up to 10 percent a year on your utility bills.
Seal air leaks
If your windows and doors have gaps and cracks that allow outside heat to enter your home (or warm air to escaping in the winter), you are paying more than necessary to cool and heat your home. Seal air leaks between movable components with weatherstripping and caulk around stationary components. Inspect your duct system for loose joints and cracks, and seal them with metal tape or mastic sealant to increase your cooling and heating efficiency.
For more expert advice about lowering your energy costs, please contact us at Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Co., keeping Yuma area residents comfortable year round with a high level of customer satisfaction since 1952.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Yuma, Arizona about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about controlling energy costs and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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