Summer in Pennsylvania means high temperatures, which requires a reliable air conditioning system to properly fight. To a certain extent, you won’t be able to escape paying higher air conditioning bills in the summer simply because you’re using your air conditioner more often than you are in the spring or the fall. But just because you’re paying more doesn’t mean you should pay more than necessary, and with a few simple aids, you can cut down on those high summer cooling bills without skimping on the comfortable temperatures your home needs this summer.
Some of these steps are self-apparent, and you’re likely already practicing a number of them as a matter of course. They include things like wearing lighter clothes, hydrating regularly, setting your thermostat a few degrees warmer than you normally would, and turning off the air conditioner at night in favor of opening up the house. But if you’re interested in taking further steps, a trained technician can help by suggesting the additional of certain upgrades to your HVAC system. We’ve included a list of the some of the more common ones below.
Zone Control Systems
Zone control systems are placed at key points in your ductwork, which divide it into individual sections. Each section can be heated or cooled independently of the others, or even turned off while still allowing the rest of the home to be cooled. That can cut into your monthly air conditioning bills considerably, as well as easily resolving family squabbles over the precise setting on the thermostat.
Air Cleaners
All air conditioners come with a filter, which screens out dust and debris, and keeps the interior of the system from accruing dust. Basic filters need to be periodically changed and don’t always do as thorough a job as you might wish. An electronic air cleaner, on the other hand, ionizes the particles of dust in the air, no matter how small, and causes them to stick to a collection pan: removing them from the equation. As a result, your air conditioner accrues less dust and can perform its duties more efficiently.
Thermostats
Thermostats are designed to be used for many years and if you’ve had yours for a long time, you should be proud of making the investment last. One drawback to that feature, however, is that you might miss some exciting developments and new types of thermostat that can save you money. For example, smart thermostats can analyze your heating and cooling habits and make little adjustments automatically to cut down on energy usage. Some models can also analyze immediate local conditions, such as an unexpected rise in humidity levels near your home, and make adjustments to your air conditioner accordingly. As a result, your system will make better use of the energy consumed and your monthly cooling bills are likely to experience a drop.
If any of these sound like good additions to your Bryn Mawr, PA, home, call the friendly pros at Wm. Henderson Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. to talk about your options!