After an unusually mild Minnesota winter, spring is warming up the Twin Cities area as we head into the summer. Why not make this the year that you really take charge of your energy bills?
We’ve got some tips for you to save money on energy this summer. Even small things can make a difference.
- Turn your thermostat up to 78 degrees when you’re home. When you’re away, set the thermostat to 85 degrees or turn off the air conditioning. Use ceiling and room fans to benefit from the cooling wind-chill effect. For best results, use a programmable thermostat to make temperature adjustments automatically.
- Close curtains on hot, sunny days, especially on windows that face the sun. When the outside temperature lowers in the evening, turn the air conditioner off, open your windows and pull the air into your home with a window fan.
- Wash only full loads in your clothes dryer. Change the lint trap on your dryer. Line dry your laundry when you can. Use the cold wash setting on your clothes washer whenever possible, and always select the cold rinse option.
- Change air conditioner filters regularly, as often as once a month during the high-use season. Dirty filters block airflow and make your system work harder and use more energy.
- If you have an older air conditioner, consider replacing with a high-efficiency unit.
- Check for leaks around windows and doors. Seal with caulking and weather-stripping. Consider new Energy Star-rated windows and doors if yours are old or inadequate.
- Have your ducts checked for air leaks by a qualified HVAC contractor who can seal any leaks that are found. Leaky ductwork may be wasting up to 25 percent of your conditioned air.
- Routine HVAC maintenance can ensure that your system is safe, energy-efficient and in good working order. Annual or semi-annual preventive maintenance can also save you money on cooling bills.
For more tips on summer energy bills and other home comfort topics, please contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve been serving the Twin Cities 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!