Air Conditioning Efficiency
If you live in a hot climate and use air
conditioning, you can expect your electric bills to increase as summer
heats up. But there are some home improvements you can make that will
keep your home cooler and reduce air conditioning costs at the same
time.
Take a few minutes to inspect your home, then
create an action plan for energy improvements:
• What type of roofing is installed on your
home? Dark colored roofing absorbs a lot of solar energy, and this
is converted to heat in your attic and living space. Action Plan: When
you next re-roof your home, install white or other light-colored
shingles. If you live in a mobile home, install a reflective white roof
coating over your existing metal roof.
• How much attic insulation is installed in your
home? When solar energy heats your attic, it also moves through the
ceiling and heats your home. Attic insulation slows this heat flow, and
will also slow heat flow out of your home in the winter. Action Plan: If
your attic has less than 6 inches of insulation, add more insulation to
total 16 inches or more.
• Do you have shade over your south- and
west-facing windows? Bare windows allow the sun to pour into your
home. Shade reduces this solar overheating. Action Plan: Install
awnings, sunscreens, or curtains over the windows that receive the most
sun.
• Are there leaves or other debris built up on
the grilles surrounding the outdoor unit of your air conditioner?
These obstructions will reduce the airflow over the condenser coil,
lowering the efficiency of your system. Action Plan: Use a garden hose
and brush to remove any leaves or debris from the outdoor unit. Cut back
any bushes that could slow airflow into the unit.
• When did you last have your central air
conditioner serviced? Air conditioners are complicated, and need to
be periodically cleaned and tuned. Action Plan: Have a professional
inspect and tune your system. Be sure they check the refrigerant charge
and airflow.
• How well are your ducts sealed? Duct leaks
can allow cool air to leak out into your attic or crawl space, or they
can draw hot air and moisture into your home. Action Plan: Seal the
seams in your ducts with duct mastic. Don’t use “duct tape” since it
tends to come loose.
If you are looking for an Ohio air conditioning contractor, please call us today at 937-675-2982 or
complete our online
service request form
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