AC Repair and Maintenance in Oak Harbor, WA

Even in places like Oak Harbor which typically experience mild summer weather, keeping your home cool can still be quite costly. The steadily rising energy prices mean that most homeowners are constantly looking for ways to lower their energy costs without sacrificing their home comfort. If you’re looking to save some money on your energy bills this summer, here are a few simple tips you should definitely consider.

1. Schedule an AC Tune-Up

Having your AC system professionally serviced, cleaned and inspected is essential for limiting how much energy the system uses. If the system isn’t serviced yearly, it can start to experience a variety of issues that reduce its energy efficiency and limit its effectiveness. Issues like leaking ductwork or a dirty evaporator coil can potentially increase energy usage by 25% or more, and these can easily be avoided by scheduling an annual AC tune-up service. Having the system inspected is also important for identifying and preventing issues that could cause the system to break down or shorten the lifespan of your AC unit.

2. Keep Window Coverings Closed During the Day

Windows are always one of the biggest sources of heat gain. If you leave your curtains, drapes and blinds open during the day, all of the sunlight streaming in through the windows will quickly cause your home to get much hotter. Keeping your window coverings closed during the hottest parts of the day will make a huge difference by minimizing the heat gain your home gets from the sun and thus reducing how often your air conditioning needs to run.

3. Make Sure to Use Your Home’s Exhaust Fans

Cooking and bathing produce lots of heat and humidity, both of which will increase the strain on your AC system and force it to work harder and run for longer. This is why it is essential that you always turn on the exhaust fan in the kitchen every time you use the stove or oven and never take a bath or shower without the exhaust fan in the bathroom running. The exhaust fans will work to draw all of the moist, warm air outside so that it doesn’t contribute to increased heat and humidity in the home and force your AC to run more frequently.

4. Keep Your Windows Open at Night

In hot, humid climates, it is best to always leave the AC running and the windows shut. Opening the windows at night would still allow lots of heat and humidity inside and force the air conditioning to work much harder when it comes back on the next day. This isn’t an issue in milder, less humid climates like Oak Harbor since you can take advantage of the cool ocean breezes. Any time that the outdoor temperature is lower than your desired indoor temperature you can open your windows to both let heat out and create a draft that cools the home down even further. By only using your AC when it is absolutely necessary, you can greatly lower your energy bills and reduce the wear and tear on your HVAC system.

5. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats are incredibly convenient since they allow you to program and control your HVAC system remotely using your smartphone or tablet. Programming your AC is essential as otherwise it will waste tons of energy if it is left on and cranked up all day long. Turning the thermostat up even a few degrees during the day when you’re at work and at night when you’re sleeping is one of the easiest ways to lower your energy bills during the summer.

Of course, this is also something you can do with any type of programmable thermostat. What makes smart thermostats great is that they can make automatic adjustments to the programming to improve the energy efficiency of the HVAC system. They do this both by learning about your routines and behaviors and also by monitoring the weather.

Another advantage is that smart thermostats allow you to track the energy usage of the HVAC system, and you can then use this information to make further adjustments to improve the efficiency of the system and lower your energy bills even more. With a smart thermostat, you will also never need to worry about wasting energy should you forget to turn the AC down before leaving home. If you do ever forget, all you need to do is use the connected app on your phone to adjust the temperature remotely.

If you’re looking to ensure that your air conditioning works efficiently and effectively this summer, Island Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help. We specialize in AC maintenance and repairs as well as new HVAC installations, and our team can also handle all of your home’s heating needs. For more information on the ways you can save this summer, contact us today.

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May 15, 2023 3:54 pm