With cooling being the largest energy expense in most homes during the summer, energy bills can take a major jump during the hottest parts of the year. If you’d like to start spending less on cooling your home, one way you can do this is by reducing your cooling load.
Reducing your home’s cooling load involves taking measures to keep your home from getting hot in the first p
lace, which is much more energy efficient than trying to cool it off after it heats up. Most of the ways you can do this involve keeping outdoor heat out, and reducing the amount of heat introduced through inside sources.
- Roofs: Light-colored roofs absorb less heat from the sun than dark-colored roofs, reducing your heating load. Your roof and attic should also be well-insulated to prevent heat transfer.
- Windows: Providing shade for your windows reduces the greenhouse effect that occurs when the sun shines through them on summer days. Shades, blinds and drapes are all effective, and installing awnings over large windows and glass doors can also reduce your heating load.
- Ducts: If you have a central air conditioner, a lot of your cooling energy could be escaping through leaky or poorly-insulated air ducts. Having your ductwork professionally sealed and insulated can make your A/C more efficient.
- Air Leaks: Air leaks throughout your home let hot air inside (and let it escape your home in the winter). Common places to find leaks include baseboards, foundations and corners, and around fixtures, windows, doors and vents. Leaks can be sealed with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Trees: Planting trees around your house – especially on the south or southwest side – provides shade and makes it easier to keep cool efficiently.
- Appliances: Avoid using heat-producing appliances unnecessarily. Try to use your oven and stove only on cool mornings and evenings, cooking instead in the microwave or on an outdoor grill when it’s hot outside.
- Lighting: Fluorescent light bulbs produce less heat than incandescent bulbs. They also use less energy and last longer.
To learn more about driving down your cooling load and lowering your energy bills, contact Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the Twin Cities metro area since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about energy bills and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning services Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!