Playa Vista summers bring lots of outdoor activities and fun in the sun, but they can also leave you sweating and your electricity bill soaring. While coastal summers bring high temperatures, they don’t have to bring rising energy costs. Here are some efficient cooling tips to keep your home comfortable without breaking the bank.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
An easy way to save money on your summer utility bills is to adjust your thermostat settings when you’re asleep or away from home. However, it can be difficult to remember to change these settings when you’re rushing to get out the door. A programmable thermostat is a set-it-and-forget-it way to keep your home at the ideal temperature.
Once your programmable thermostat is installed, all you have to do is set the temperature back a few degrees during your workday and overnight. Another option is a smart thermostat that learns your daily schedule all on its own and adjusts its settings accordingly.
Choose a High-SEER AC Unit
What is the SEER rating of your AC unit? SEER stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, and a higher rating means the AC unit is more efficient. This rating is usually listed on a sticker attached to the unit, or you can ask our team at Belle Air Services about SEER ratings when you schedule your AC installation service.
Look for a unit with a SEER rating of 15 or higher for optimal efficiency and the most energy savings. SEER ratings go all the way up to 30 or higher. Some units with very high ratings may need additional installation work, such as new ducts or wiring.
Ditch Your Window Units
While window units can work well in colder climates, the summer heat in Playa Vista will have them working overtime and sending your electricity bill through the roof. If you don’t want to go through the trouble of having ductwork installed in your home, a ductless mini-split system is an excellent option that provides greater comfort and increased efficiency compared to window units.
Ductless mini-split systems connect up to four interior units to one outdoor condenser unit with a small refrigerant line. This provides versatile cooling because you can control each unit independently. The indoor units can also be placed almost anywhere instead of taking up half a window, which means you can enjoy the view again.
Make Use of Ceiling Fans
Often overlooked by today’s homeowners, ceiling fans are an old-fashioned way to keep your home cool that still holds up. Just running your ceiling fan can make a room feel as much as six degrees cooler, which means you can run your AC less without compromising your comfort. Because ceiling fans only affect the perceived temperature, turn them off when you leave a room to save energy.
Remember to make sure your ceiling fans are set to counterclockwise rotation in the summer. This rotational direction pushes air downward to create a cooling breeze. Clockwise rotation, on the other hand, pulls air upward to help keep your home warmer in the winter. The direction of most ceiling fans can be changed by flipping a switch on the motor housing.
Keep Up With Regular Maintenance
Did you know that neglected maintenance tasks cause your AC to work harder and use more energy to keep your home cool? Dirty coils and clogged filters keep your unit from taking in the fresh air it needs, while small mechanical issues can turn into big problems if they go unnoticed. Starting your summer with routine AC maintenance improves efficiency by ensuring that everything is running smoothly.
Here are some of the HVAC maintenance tasks you should take care of before the weather heats up:
- Change your air filter
- Remove debris from outdoor unit
- Dust off your intake and air vents
- Schedule a professional tune-up
At Belle Air Services, we offer all the professional AC maintenance services you need to keep your AC efficient and reliable. We can make sure your condenser coils are clean and in good shape, check your refrigerant, look for potential problems and more.
Zone Your HVAC System
If you have seldom-used rooms or hot and cold spots throughout your home, a zoned HVAC system might be the right solution for you. Zoning lets you set each room to a different temperature, which means you can stop wasting energy by keeping that guest bedroom or game room cool when nobody is using it.
A zoned HVAC system uses dampers to control the airflow inside your ductwork. Each zone or room has its own thermostat connected to a central unit. Zoning not only saves you money but also allows you to keep each part of your home at the optimal comfort level and eliminates fights over the thermostat settings.
Avoid Heating Up Your Home
From baking a casserole to leaving lights on, there are many small sources of heat in your home that add up to big energy usage. Instead of using the oven to cook meals, try cooking in a slow cooker, microwave or electric pressure cooker. You can also prepare your meals ahead of time in the evening or early morning when temperatures are cooler.
Always turn off lights and lamps when you leave a room to reduce heat and save electricity. If you’re still using old-fashioned incandescent bulbs, switching to cooler, more efficient LED bulbs can shave a few dollars off your energy bills. Turning down the temperature on your showers not only reduces heat and humidity in your bathroom but also helps you cool off after a long day in the sun.
Block Out the Sun
Before the invention of air conditioning, people kept their homes cool by blocking out the hot sun. This is still an effective and affordable way to beat the heat today. Windows are one of the main parts of your home that let in light and heat, so start by putting up some light-blocking insulated curtains. You can also add tint to your windows to further keep out those UV rays.
Window treatments are effective interior solutions for keeping light out, but what about your home’s exterior? You can put up awnings over windows and doors to keep the sunlight away. Planting plenty of trees and shrubs, especially near windows, provides shade that helps keep your home cool.
Your Source for Summer Comfort
If you’re ready to stay cool all summer long, Belle Air Services has the AC services you need to keep your home comfortable and your energy bills low. We provide quality AC repair, installation and maintenance for homeowners in Playa Vista, CA. We also offer ductless HVAC installation and services, heat pumps, ductwork and indoor air quality services.
Our expert team is knowledgeable about a variety of systems, and we carry several top brands. Whether you need a new part, a new AC or just a routine tune-up, call Belle Air Services to schedule your service today.
