Energy Saving Tips for Summertime in Jacksonville

There are many contributors when it comes to wasting energy in the home. Faulty Air Conditioning system, lights left on in unoccupied rooms and small leaks around doors or windows can be the largest contributors. Keeping your home sealed tight and your air conditioning system clean and running properly are very crucial steps to saving energy in your Jacksonville home. There are many quick and easy, low cost ways you can save energy and a little money this summer.

Jacksonville Energy Saving Tips

Programmable Thermostats

Purchasing and installing a Programmable Thermostat is a great, inexpensive way to save energy. Programmable thermostats give you the ability to regulate the temperature in your home all day long. For example, during the summer you can have your thermostat automatically set to 80 degrees while you are at work or school, then have it go down to 75 degrees before you get home. That way you can save energy during the day and still come home to a cool comfortable house.

Wasted Energy

Simple things such as turning off lights when you are not in the room can save you up to 2% on your energy bill. Turn off or unplug chargers, coffee makers, curling irons, etc… Many appliances can use energy even when they are turned off. Also, many people have their computers, printers and scanners hooked up to a multiple socket surge protector, this is not only a great way to protect your technology, you can also switch off the power to the surge protector instead of having to unplug each individual device.

Change Your Air Conditioner Filter

Keeping the filters clean in your air conditioning system, not only reduces the allergens in your home, it also reduces the amount of time it takes for your ac system to cool and move the air in the room. It also reduces the amount of strain on the equipment. Contact your local Jacksonville Air Conditioning Company and order a box of filters. They are inexpensive and should be changed every 1 to 2 months.

Seal Your Home

The fewer unsealed cracks and crevices you have in your home, the less energy escapes. Inspect the windows and doors of your home and check for any warm air that may be coming in around the seals. If you do, you can purchase door and window seal guards from your home improvement store for very little money. If you have really old windows you may want to look into replacing them with Energy Star windows.

DO NOT Hand Wash Dishes

This is one fact that many people love to hear. When you wash dishes by hand, you end up using twice the amount of water that would normally be used by your dish washer. Make sure your dishwasher is set to the regular wash and air-dry cycle to save the maximum amount of energy.

Use or Install Ceiling Fans

Keeping the air circulating in your home helps control the temperature and humidity. Fans can make your home feel cooler even when the air conditioner is set at a higher temperature. Every degree higher you can keep your Thermostat will save you up to 3% on your cooling costs.

Holes in Your AC Duct Work

Leaks in your duct work can account for up to 25% of cooling costs in your home. Have your duct work inspected and repaired by a trusted air conditioning company in Jacksonville. They will seal the duct work from inside your home and from inside your attic. They can also check and repair and holes that may have been torn in your duct work. Don’t be afraid to ask your technician if he can seal up your light switches and power outlets while they are there. Most of the time, they will do it for no extra cost.

Close Vents in Rarely Used Rooms

Close off any vents that are in rooms that are not frequently used. You will reduce the time it will take your air conditioner to cool the rest of your home. If your home has more than one story, you can also save energy by closing off several vents on the lower floor of your home. Cool air from the upper floors will naturally sink down and keep the lower floors a little cooler.

Prevent Blocked Air Vents

Make sure you are not blocking air vents with furniture or other obstructions. Blocking off an essential vent can make your AC system work harder and longer to cool down your home. Rearrange your room and make sure there isn’t any furniture blocking vents.

Keep Groceries in Your Home

You may have noticed that when your refrigerator is full, the temperature inside drops down a couple of degrees. Your groceries begin to act as a kind of insulation for your refrigerator and helps keep the temperature cooler even when opening and shutting the door often. You also may be able to reduce the temperature setting your refrigerator is set at.

Cut Back on Your Pools Filter

Reducing the time you run your pool filter by just one hour can save you up to 2% on your energy bill. Keep the time your run your filter only 4 or 5 hours a day. Try to only run your automatic cleaning equipment while your pool filter is running. Also, schedule the operating hours during off-peak time to save some additional energy.

Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioning System

Signing up for a yearly maintenance plan on your AC system will help ensure your unit runs at maximum efficiency all year long. Depending on the plan you signed up for, your AC company will come out to your home 2 to 3 times a year and check to make sure there are no Freon leaks, coils are clean and all systems are running properly. If you have an old air conditioning system you may want to consider changing the old one for a new Energy Star system. You could save up to 10% on energy costs.

If you have any questions or would like any further information, please feel free to give us a call or simply email us at info@coolcatsjax.com.