The benefits of air conditioning are many, but you can’t ignore its potential to take a significant bite out of your household budget if you aren’t careful. Below are some tips for cooling your home efficiently and cost-effectively so you can lower your utility bills and save energy without sacrificing comfort.
In the steamy summer months, you may find yourself running the air conditioning in Seattle on a frequent basis. Air conditioners cool your home, filter dust and dirt from the air, and lower humidity.
Tips for Choosing Air Conditioners in Seattle
Installing a central air conditioning system generally isn’t a cost-effective solution unless the existing ductwork in your home can be used. Most Seattleites use room air conditioners, which are mounted in windows or built into external walls. Room air conditioners are less expensive, but they only cool the room in which they are located. If you want to cool your entire home, you will need to invest in central air conditioning, but be prepared to pay a pretty penny for it.
Choosing the right sized air conditioners in Seattle is also essential. If your air conditioner is too large, you’ll end up throwing money away. If it’s too small, you won’t be able to keep the room cool enough. The rule of thumb is that an air conditioner needs 20 BTUs (British Thermal Units) per square foot of living space. So, for a room that’s 10 feet wide and 25 feet long, you would do the following calculation: 10 x 25 x 20 (BTUs) = 5,000 BTUs. That means you would need an air conditioner with a capacity of 5,000 BTUs in that room.
How to Keep Your Seattle Air Conditioner in Tip-Top Condition
For optimal airflow, examine the filters in your air conditioner at least once a month and replace them when necessary. You can cut energy use by 5 to 15% just by keeping your air conditioner filters clean. You also might want to check for holes in the seal between the air conditioner and window frame so that cool air doesn’t escape from inside of your home. In addition, make sure that air isn’t escaping from your home through doors, windows, or fireplace dampers. Weatherstrip or caulk all of the doors and windows in your home, if necessary. Also, avoid putting heat-emitting appliances, such as lamps and televisions, near the air conditioner thermostat because it can cause the air conditioner to use more energy than required.
When the temperature in your home doesn’t exceed 78 degrees F, you can save energy by not using air conditioning. Keep your home from getting hot during the day without air conditioning by closing the windows, curtains, and shades. If you prefer to leave the curtains and shades open to let the sunlight in, prevent the heat from entering your home by applying the reflective film to your windows. In addition, you can use fans to cool your home on days with milder weather. Using fans can help you save 60% or more on energy costs.
Have Essential maintenance Performed on Your Seattle Air Conditioner
Want to be sure that your air conditioning in Seattle is operating as safely and efficiently as possible? Please call 425.533.9058 or contact our team of Seattle air conditioner experts for more information about our air conditioning services.
