Tips for Helping Your Central Air Save Energy

Stay comfortable without increasing costs

We all know that now summer has arrived here in Southeastern Massachusetts, the demand for your central air conditioning system has increased. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that your energy usage has to exponentially increase. In fact, there are actually many actions a homeowner can take to help their air conditioner operate more effectively, all of which end up saving both energy and money. None of these strategies sacrifice comfort either, so following them is definitely a win-win, especially with the growing concerns that many home and business owners have over the environment.

Below are some tips from W.H. Riley & Son that will help your central air conditioning system conserve energy.

Upgrade to a New System and Equipment

Newer air conditioners are automatically more efficient and effective than older models. Therefore, if your system is over 10 years old, you may want to think about an upgrade. You ideally want a unit with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER, rating. These perform better while consuming less energy.

Upgrading to a programmable thermostat can also help. These devices allow you to set your thermostat to specific temperatures for different times of the day. This means that you can turn the temperature up before leaving the house for hours, but pre-program it to cool down before you get home. You’re not wasting money and resources keeping an empty house cool all day with a programmable thermostat.

Don’t Use Heat Sources

Avoiding using your oven, stove, or other appliances that generate heat will keep your home cooler. If you need to make a meal, use a microwave or grill if possible.

Keep Curtains and Blinds Closed

As nice as natural lighting is, it can drastically increase the temperature of your home. Keeping your blinds and curtains closed during the day is a great and easy way to protect your home against this extra heat.

Check Your Insulation and Ducts for Leaks

The cool air that your central air conditioning produces is going to find its way out of your home if you’ve got leaky ducts and weak insulation. Make sure your ductwork doesn’t have any visible leaks. If it does, use duct tape or mastic sealant to close them up. You also want to make sure your ducts are properly insulated.

Book Your Annual Maintenance Appointments

Proper air conditioning maintenance helps keep your air conditioning system running efficiently and effectively. It also helps your air conditioner last longer and helps prevent the need for large and expensive repairs.

The service technicians here at W.H. Riley & Son are available for the thorough professional maintenance your central air conditioning system needs. A servicing appointment with us includes an inspection of all parts of your air conditioner. We also make sure moving parts are properly lubricated, that it has enough refrigerant to function properly, and that the filter is replaced.

Air Conditioning Services from W.H. Riley & Son

In addition to annual maintenance, W.H. Riley & Son can also help with A/C installations and repairs. In fact, we are one of the leading air conditioning providers here in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Contact W.H. Riley & Son today to learn more about the air conditioning services we provide throughout the area.