HVAC Equipment Repairs in South Florida
Inflation has made everything more expensive and outpaced pay increases for many families in Florida. Energy costs continue to rise, but people still need to keep the temperature in their homes comfortable. Everyone should know how to reduce the costs of having their home at a desirable temperature without sacrificing comfort. Every homeowner has some control over how much energy they use. With a few simple steps, it is possible to save money.
Cut Cooling Costs
Hot, humid Florida summers make Cooling Services a necessity. The need for air conditioning does not mean people should expect to pay more than they can afford. Operating air conditioning units cost Americans about $29 billion per year. Reducing how much a home contributes to the nationwide total can require a few changes.
Keep sunlight from entering the home directly, particularly during the warmest hours of the day. Planting shade trees and installing drapes and blinds can help. Solar screens are specialty screens that block the UV rays from the sunlight without blocking the view to the outside. The screens can shield windows and prevent them from collecting heat when exposed to the sun. If not protected, the glass will warm throughout the day and radiate that heat into the home.
Cook meals outside on a grill rather than using the stove or oven or look for no-cook meal options. Turn on fans with the AC unit to circulate the cooled air. Fans use much less energy than an AC unit, so using them can cut costs while allowing everyone to feel comfortable even after moving the thermostat up a few degrees. Seal gaps around doors, windows, and plumbing pipes to avoid energy loss. Reducing drafts in the home will help during the summer and winter.
Lower Heating Expenses
Avoid the need for emergency Heating Equipment Repair by scheduling an annual cleaning and inspection of the HVAC system. Addressing repairs and replacements before problems begin can reduce discomfort and expense. Keep the house warmer in cooler months by leaving curtains open on the sides of the home with sun exposure. Close the drapes and blinds at night or on cold, windy days to keep cooler temperatures out.
Install a programmable thermostat and lower the heat slightly when no one is home. Invest in warm blankets, pajamas, and slippers. Keep vents closed as much as possible to avoid forcing warm, humid air out of the house. Humidity can cause concerns in the summer, but during cooler months, it allows people to feel more comfortable in lower temperatures.
Address Equipment Concerns
The cost of heating and Cooling Services in a home can increase for many reasons. An AC or heating unit not correctly sized for a residence will not provide climate control as efficiently as one designed for the home’s square footage. Heating and AC Equipment Repairs can become overwhelming for outdated models. Equipment that isn’t properly maintained create higher operating costs when worn-out parts or clogged filters prevent the systems from working correctly.
Updating an HVAC unit should happen whenever a change to the home increases or reduces the amount of area heated or cooled. The need for an update is not only based on square footage. HVAC systems control air temperature, so changes that raise or lower ceiling height can also affect what type of system people need. Always ask a professional for a recommendation for any new HVAC system. Buying the largest system available will not improve efficiency or lower costs. Oversized heating and cooling units can waste as much energy as undersized models.
Age is another consideration. According to the Department of Energy, more efficient models of heating and cooling appliances arrive every few years. According to their website, a new air conditioner could save homeowners up to 40 percent on their cooling energy costs compared to an existing system that is only ten years old. Consider replacing heating or cooling equipment installed more than ten years ago.
Many people willingly pay high utility bills to keep their families comfortable during cold winter nights and hot summer days. It is understandable to want people to stay safe in their homes, but the high costs are often unnecessary. Upgrading systems and making simple changes around the house could save many homeowners a surprising amount of money every year.
We offer everything you need to keep your home at the perfect temperature. At Air Marshall Air Conditioning Inc., we provide reliable annual maintenance, emergency troubleshooting and repair, and complete installation and replacements. We offer skilled technicians and reliable estimates.