How to Save Money and Keep Your AC Humming this Summer
When the triple-digit heat engulfs the Sacramento Valley, it quickly becomes apparent how necessary air conditioning is. Many homes across the greater Dixon, CA area are already blasting their air conditioner, using it to keep cool through these hazy summer days (and nights). Even high performing systems can suffer if they are overextended during peak use. We have some factors to consider this summer to stay cool and keep your air conditioner functioning properly.
Air Sealing and Insulation: Keeping the Building Envelope Tight
A building’s envelope is made of the components of a house exposed to the outdoors. This includes the foundation, walls, the roof, windows, and doors. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that their home’s envelope is weakened by cracks, leaks, or gaps where exposure to outside air is prominent. In this case, air sealing and insulation can be beneficial to tighten your home’s building and thermal envelope.
You may be wondering, “What does my building’s envelope have to do with my air conditioner’s load?” It’s simple: as the temperatures rise, your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain a set internal temperature. The less tight your home’s building envelope is the more easily cool air escapes and hot air enters. Your air conditioner then has to continue cooling hot air over and over again. Services such as an energy audit can help you understand your building envelope’s integrity, and by tightening it you can save money on future energy bills while also making your home more comfortable.
Lower Home Energy Usage
While evaluating your home’s envelope and considering air sealing services can have a direct impact on your air conditioner’s load this summer, perhaps you’d like to be able to make immediate changes to help your AC out. In that case, we recommend turning off and unplugging idle appliances throughout your house. This can make a meaningful difference in easing the burden on your air conditioner by not overexerting your home’s electrical capacity. You would also benefit from using heat conducting appliances, such as an oven, during the cooler hours of the day. This way your AC isn’t pitted against your stove as it cools your house down.
Finally, consider your home’s ventilation in key rooms such as the kitchen and bathroom. This will help mitigate humidity in these areas, helping you feel slightly cooler.
The Air Conditioning & Home Performance Professionals at Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric
Our team of qualified professionals at Greiner Heating, Air, and Electric is trained to understand the cooling needs of clients from a variety of homes. We can lighten your air conditioner’s load and keep you comfortable this summer.
Lighten your air conditioner’s burden and stay comfortable this summer. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
