AC Maintenance League City
Energy-Saving Tips for Texas Winters: AC Maintenance League City Tips for Energy-Efficiency
There are some places in the northern tier of states that have such mild summers that air conditioning is not necessary. Good ventilation, ceiling fans, and lots of outdoor activities make the few really hot days bearable; the AC would be used so seldom that it is not worth installing. That is certainly not true in Texas! It also gets just cold enough to make furnaces a necessity, but there are some creative steps to take in this region that can drastically reduce the days that the furnace is necessary. Here are some AC Maintenance League City steps for those looking to reduce energy costs and run the furnace less.
AC Maintenance League City Tip 1: Seal It Up!
The key to staying comfortable in the winter is keeping the warm air inside and the cold air outside. Each home is designed with a thermal barrier of insulated materials, called a building envelope. Improving the quality of the building envelope will reduce the number of heating cycles per day by retaining warm air.
• Stick your head into the attic and check the depth of insulation. There should be approximately 12” of insulation in an even blanket over the entire surface. Ceiling joists should not be visible. If the depth is light, add insulation to the 12” depth.
• Windows have the poorest insulation value of any part of the building envelope. Newer windows have two panes with an insulating gas between them. Wood or vinyl-clad windows reduce heat transfer compared to aluminum-clad windows. Quality windows can reduce heat loss and improve the energy efficiency of the home.
• Time and weather open gaps around windows and doors; the original caulk will need to be replaced or renewed. When all the little, bitty gaps are added together, it is equivalent to a hole several inches in diameter in the wall. The labor to seal gaps can significantly reduce heat loss and increase the comfort level inside.
AC Maintenance League City Tip 2: Turn the Fan On
Fans do not heat or cool the air, but moving air “feels” hotter or colder than stationary air. Using a fan can make a home more comfortable and allow the temperature setting to be changed accordingly.
• Hot air rises and stays up there until it cools or is forced downward. A ceiling fan can push the air down and thoroughly mix the air, requiring fewer heating cycles.
• Find the small black switch on the fan. This changes the direction of the fan’s spin. The proper direction for wintertime is in a clockwise direction.• A ceiling fan requires far less energy than a furnace, so set the fan on the lowest setting and use that trapped hot air properly.
AC Maintenance League City Tip 3: Programmable Thermostats
Most thermostats are programmable, which means a homeowner can change temperature settings strategically to save money and reduce heating cycles. This can often be done without affecting the family’s comfort.
• Many people prefer to sleep in a cool room. Overnight temps in the winter are the coldest part of the day. Most family members will not notice the dropping of the overnight temperature setting by 5 to 8 degrees. Just schedule a return to normal temperature about 30 minutes before everyone begins to stir in the morning to make sure everyone is comfortable.
• If the house is empty during the day, a setting change can be scheduled again to reduce furnace use/energy spent. Remember to bump the temperature back up about 30 minutes before the family begins to arrive for the evening.
AC Maintenance League City Tip 4: Don’t Neglect Maintenance
Annual furnace maintenance is also key to keeping it running efficiently.
Maintenance:
• Reduces energy consumption by ensuring components are working at peak performance
• Reduces the frequency and severity of needed repairs.
• Keeps the air cleaner, reducing wintertime respiratory illness.
• Extends the useful life of the furnace by about 5 years.
Doctor Cool & Professor Heat – The AC Maintenance League City Experts
Doctor Cool provides energy-saving tips for Texas winters, focusing on reducing furnace use and cutting energy costs. Our key strategies include sealing gaps to retain heat, using ceiling fans to circulate warm air, and programming thermostats to adjust temperatures when the house is empty. Regular AC maintenance is also emphasized to ensure efficiency, extend the furnace’s lifespan, and improve air quality.
As an award-winning, BBB-accredited AC Maintenance League City and HVAC installation contractor serving the League City and surrounding area, we pride ourselves in providing exceptional service to our customers. Call Doctor Cool & Professor Heat today at 281-338-8751 or email Doctor Cool.
