Which Is More Expensive: Heating or Cooling
Have you ever noticed how your energy bills increase whenever you try to keep cool in the heat of summer or warm during winter’s icy grip? This reality has made many homeowners wonder which costs more: home heating or cooling
This question isn’t necessarily straightforward, as it hinges on several factors. Carefully review each one to help you determine whether your bills are likely to be higher in the summer or the winter. Then, consider our tips to keep your utility costs down all year-round.
What Type of HVAC System Does Your Home Have?
The equipment you use to cool and heat your home has a significant impact on your total costs. Options include the traditional air conditioner combo to a modern heat pump or ductless mini-split. Older systems with lower efficiency tend to have higher operating costs, while newer models offer higher efficiency.
At the point your existing HVAC unit is more than 10 years old and you’re interested in lower energy costs, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system. The right setup for you depends on your home’s size and layout, the usual climate, and whether your home has existing ductwork.
7 Energy-Efficient HVAC Strategies for Early Spring
As chilly winter days become rarer and the welcome warmth of early spring takes hold, you very well could start thinking about how you’ll keep your residence cool and comfortable when summer arrives. Spring is the perfect time to use energy-efficient cooling solutions to help you save big in the warmer months ahead.
Here are seven things to implement today, courtesy of the professionals at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
- Use Ceiling Fans
If you don’t run your ceiling fans in the summer, you’re missing out on an excellent opportunity to increase comfort and energy efficiency. By making the room feel roughly four degrees cooler, the wind chill effect from operating a ceiling fan enables you to turn up the thermostat without feeling too hot. However, fans cool people, not rooms, so shut them off when you leave the area.
- Be Smart Around Windows
In terms of managing your home’s temperature, windows can be your best friends or your worst enemies. The trick is knowing how to use them effectively based on how warm or cold it is outside:
On cool but sunny days, elevate the blinds to allow the sunshine in and warm your home naturally.
On warmer days, open windows on opposite sides of the house to create a cooling cross-breeze. If allergies are a concern, it’s better to instead run your air conditioning system to prevent pollen from getting in.
On hot days, close the curtains over your south- and west-facing windows to minimize solar heat gain and delay the need for air conditioning.
- Cook Outside
Using the oven or stovetop raises the indoor temperature, making your cooling system work harder and consume more power. Make the most of the lovely spring weather by shifting your cooking outdoors. Grilling is a great way to get some fresh air while keeping your house cool and comfortable. Plus, when you start grilling season early, you avoid the severe heat and irritating mosquitoes of summer.
- Spring Clean with Efficiency in Mind
Spring cleaning is a practice that results in a fresh, tidy home just in time for warmer weather. You may not realize it, but spring cleaning is also a chance to increase your home’s energy efficiency. As you go through your home and freshen up, concentrate on places in your home that can impede airflow and, as a result, increase your home’s electricity bills. Here are some areas to tackle:
- Dust off ceiling fan blades and set them to run counterclockwise.
Use caulk or weatherstripping to close leaks around windows and doors.
Clean sliding glass door tracks to lower the amount of air leakage.
Replace the HVAC air filter to promote optimal airflow.
Rake away debris from around the outdoor AC unit to enhance performance.
Clean the coils below or behind the refrigerator to lower the electricity necessary to keep your food cold.
Clean off light fixtures and change outdated incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs.
- Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced
A spring AC check-up prepares your AC for the summer’s heat. Even though you can do some tasks yourself, such as exchanging the air filter and clearing away obstructions from the exterior unit, only a professional can clean the evaporator coil, lubricate moving parts and top off the refrigerant. Annual check-ups can go a long ways to help reduce electricity use, promote more reliable performance and extend an AC unit’s service life. Set up service with Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing in the spring so you can be sure that your system is ready to perform at its best when you need it most.
- Take Care of Your Ducts
Spring is a good time to take a look at your home’s ductwork. Sealing and insulating the ductwork helps conditioned air reach its destination more effectively. Then, thorough duct cleaning gets rid of debris buildup, making sure air moves smoothly through the system. These ductwork services save power and improve indoor air quality, making your home a more enjoyable place to be during the summer.
- Upgrade for Energy Efficiency
Consider upgrading your HVAC system or major appliances to energy-efficient models this spring. ENERGY STAR-certified products use less power without compromising performance. Improvements necessitate an investment, but you can expect substantial energy bill savings and a more comfortable, sustainable home. These improvements also improve a home’s value if you ever decide to put the home on the market. Spring is a good time for HVAC updates, as contractors are usually less busy, making it easier to arrange the installation at a convenient time for you.
Count on Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing for Your HVAC Needs in the U.S. this Spring
For support carrying out any of these suggestions this spring, call the pros at Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. We provide affordable, energy-efficient cooling remedies in the U.S. to save you money all year long. Everything we do is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so you can count on us to provide comfort and peace of mind. For professional service that makes an impact on your daily life, call +1(561)873-1450 today!