Lower Your Energy Bill
How can you save on your energy bill while keeping your home comfortable here in the deep south? For all our neighbors in Baldwin County and Mobile, Alabama, 5 Starr Heating and Air shares professional tips.
Open Windows in the Cool of the Day
We enjoy a breeze, right? That’s fine when the humidity is low and the breeze is blowing. However, the heat of the summer means higher humidity. If you fill your home with hot, moist air your HVAC system works harder to regulate the temperature. Be sure to close the windows early in the morning before the humidity rises. And leave them closed until late. Of course, in South Alabama, humidity may feel like 100% at daybreak.
Insulate
Cracks and spaces around your exterior doors and windows are air conditioning thieves! Seal cracks and insulate to save your precious cool air.
Unplug
Do you have dangling charging cables attached to outlets? If so, energy is constantly flowing. Unplug chargers and appliances not in use. Save on this surprising energy-waster.
Energy-Efficient Modern Light Bulbs
LED bulbs use less energy and produce less heat. A win all around.
Temperature Control and Programmable Thermostats
What’s the best temperature to set for summer? The pros recommend 78 to 80 when you’re not home and 74-76 when you are home. Programming a thermostat makes it easy. These energy-savvy fixtures can be set to a certain temperature when you wake up, sleep, arrive home, and throughout the day.
Use Ceiling Fans and Bathroom Fans
Keep air circulating with fans. Remember to flip the toggle on the fan so it turns clockwise in winter and counterclockwise in summer. The bathroom fan helps remove moisture and humidity from your home, working along with your air conditioning system.
Close Blinds and Black-Out Curtains
If you aren’t home during the heat of the day, consider closing your blinds or curtains. Protecting your home from direct sunlight goes a long way in keeping the interior a steady temperature.
Replace Air Conditioner Filters
Clean filters allow greater air flow, which means your AC works more efficiently. Expensive high MERV and thick pleating are not necessary. It’s best to change HVAC filters more often.
Trim Bushes
Thick greenery surrounding your exterior Heat Pump compressor or AC system can block air flow and drop debris inside your unit. Keep things tidy and increase efficiency by trimming back hedges and tree branches.
Upgrade Your AC or Heat Pump System
For increased energy efficiency, consider replacing your current HVAC system with a new heat pump. 5 Starr Heating and Air works with several manufacturers including Rheem, York, Goodman, and more! We also offer mini split systems. If you aren’t ready to upgrade, keep your current system running at its peak with regular cleanings and health checks. 5 Starr Heating and Air services all of Baldwin County including the Eastern Shore and Gulf Shores. We also service Mobile city limits. As your go-to full-service team, we’re happy to perform a system check. Call us today 251-223-1217!