Energy Efficiency and Conservation Tips: Guide for the Hottest Months

As the days become hotter, many, if not most, households rely on air-conditioning to keep their homes cool. With AC units constantly running, this means increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills. To help you maximize energy efficiency during the hottest months of the year and save money in the long run, we’ve compiled a list of simple and valuable tips.

Use Fans
You can stay cool and comfortable and improve airflow within your rooms by using fans, which are more cost-efficient appliances than air conditioners. In addition, many of the newest models in the market are now designed to be sustainable, ensuring you achieve your energy efficiency and conservation goals.

Use Your Thermostat Wisely
During the day, set your thermostat a few degrees higher and at a level you find comfortable to help reduce your energy usage. For a more precise and convenient way of controlling the temperature in your home, consider installing a smart thermostat.

Clean or Replace Dirty Air Filters
Keeping your air filters consistently clean is essential to having healthy indoor air quality as well as reducing your energy consumption and costs. It is best to clean your home’s HVAC filters once a month and replace them every six months.

Unplug Appliances When Not in Use
You can also save energy just by unplugging devices and appliances that you are not using, such as chargers and computers. This is because electronics, even on standby, still consume energy. To ensure all your devices are switched off at once, consider plugging them into a power strip.

Add Shade to Your Windows
Prevent heat gain and glare by adding window shades, such as blinds and curtains. Doing so can help keep any room cool without overworking your air-conditioning system.

Maintain your HVAC Systems Properly
For optimal performance and energy efficiency, you must make sure that your HVAC system is regularly checked by a professional for issues. If needed, the licensed technician can do any repairs so your system stays in great condition and runs smoothly at all times.

Let Us Help You Achieve an Energy-Efficient Space
No matter the season, you can turn to Bounds Heating & Air to help you with your HVAC system, from installation and upgrade to repair and maintenance. We are licensed technicians serving clients in Gainesville, Florida and surrounding areas all year round. Talk to us today to ask any questions or book an appointment.

Summer Energy-Saving Tips: How To Keep Your Home Cool

When the weather gets warm, many people rely on their home’s cooling system to keep the indoor temperature comfortable. While this is a straightforward and effective solution, it can also increase energy costs and emissions if not combined with other strategies that improve ventilation. To keep your house cool this summer and be kind to the environment at the same time, here are some things you can do:

Cover Your Windows
Add window coverings like blinds and blackout curtains to keep the heat out. This is even more important if your windows receive direct sunlight at any time of the day.

Keep Hot Air Out and Cool Air In
Seal your doors, windows, and other cracks and openings. This will keep cool air where you need it most and prevent warm air from entering your home.

Avoid Using Unnecessary Heat Sources
Try to avoid using heat-generating appliances as much as possible, as these can significantly warm up your home. This means reducing the usage of your stove, oven, and clothes dryer.

Use Fans for Spot Ventilation
Remove heat, moisture, and humidity from areas like your laundry room and bathroom using a fan. Doing this will push out the hot air and improve the ventilation in your home.

Operate Your Thermostat Efficiently
Achieve optimum efficiency by setting your thermostat at a temperature that you find comfortable. For a more convenient, precise, and consistent temperature control, use a programmable thermostat.

Use Summer-Appropriate Bedding
Swap your sheets for those with lighter fabrics. One example is cotton, a textile that doesn’t trap heat and wicks away sweat.

Maximize Shading Devices
Take advantage of fixed or adjustable shading to reduce heat gain and glare. These include overhangs, eaves, and awnings.

Ensure Your Cooling System Is Properly Maintained
Keep your air conditioner in great condition by having it checked by a licensed technician regularly, especially before summer starts. This will make sure that your unit will run smoothly and efficiently.

Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Replace your incandescent bulbs, which produce a lot of heat, with energy-saving ones like LED lights. These can help cool your living space and help you save on energy bills.

Achieve a Cool and Comfortable Home All Summer
Stay cool throughout the warm months while keeping your energy bills lower by following some or all of our tips at Bounds Heating & Air. We are HVAC specialists you can turn to for all your heating and cooling needs in and around Gainesville, Florida. Reach out to us today to ask a question or request any of our services. We’d be more than happy to assist you.

Choosing a New Air Conditioning Unit for Your Home

If you’re looking to buy a new air conditioner, with so many details to think about and options to choose from, the task can be overwhelming. This is why we created this short guide: to make it easier for you to break down what factors need to be considered before you make a purchase. After all, a new air conditioning unit is a big investment, so it’s vital that you make the right choice.

Size of the Unit

When considering air conditioning units, size plays a crucial role. A unit that’s too small will struggle to effectively cool your home, while an oversized one may cycle on and off frequently, resulting in higher energy consumption and potential wear and tear.

It’s advisable to seek guidance from a professional HVAC technician to determine the appropriate unit size for your home, factoring in variables such as square footage, insulation, and climate.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the specific dimensions of the room or space that the new unit will cool, including ceiling height and window count. Rooms with higher ceilings and more windows will require an air conditioning unit with greater cooling capacity to maintain optimal temperature levels.

Type of AC Unit or System

You can choose from different types of air conditioning units and systems, depending on your lifestyle and needs. These include:

1. Mini-Split System: This is a compact, versatile, and efficient HVAC unit that addresses both heating and cooling requirements. It has two primary components: an outdoor and an indoor unit.
2. Central AC: This is connected directly to your furnace and ductwork, providing consistent cooling throughout all rooms in your house. It is good at removing humidity from the air.
3. Portable AC: This can be moved from one space to another as needed, making it a convenient solution for spot cooling. Do note that it is most effective in cooling smaller areas, and it produces noise when in use.

Features

Identify or list down the features that you want in your new air conditioning unit. Some common ones are sound performance, energy-saving mode, and humidity management.

Energy Efficiency

Prioritizing efficiency is paramount when choosing an air conditioning unit. Seek out models with impressive SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, as they offer superior cooling perfomance while consuming less energy. Opting for an energy-efficient unit not only leads to cost savings on utility bills but also contributes to reducing your carbon footprint.

Warranty

It’s important to check the warranty details of the unit you will purchase. This is to make sure that you get adequate coverage for any issues or problems you may have with your new AC system.

Bounds Heating & Air Will Handle Your Air Conditioning Needs

If you need help selecting the best AC system for your home or place of business, reach out to us, and we will be more than happy to assist you. We are knowledgeable and experienced with all makes and models of equipment, and we also provide AC installation and replacement services in and around Gainesville, Florida.

The Advantages of Preventative AC Maintenance

As we are approaching the hot weather month, households will rely on their air-conditioning system to provide comfort in their homes. An AC in tip-top shape will offer relief from the heat and make the summer months bearable.

On the other hand, a unit that keeps breaking down will be a major inconvenience due to its erratic functioning and inadequate cooling capacity. This demonstrates the importance of routine maintenance for air conditioners.

Not waiting until your AC starts to have issues before you call an HVAC company can give you fewer headaches and some long-term benefits. Explore some of the reasons why air-conditioning systems need to undergo preventative AC maintenance.

Year-Round Comfort and Peace of Mind

Before you know it, the first hot weekend arrives, signaling the start of summer. Knowing that your air conditioner is working perfectly will give you one less thing to worry about—just turn on your AC anytime to cool your space.

Energy Efficiency
A well-maintained air conditioner will work smoothly without consuming too much energy. This is the opposite of a dirty, worn-out, or faulty cooling system that will struggle to function and, thus, work doubly hard to do its job and consume more energy in the process.

Lower Energy Bills
An energy-efficient air-conditioning system means more savings for you.

No Need for Constant Repairs
Preventative maintenance makes sure your AC is performing optimally, therefore reducing the possibility of breakdowns and malfunctions.

Better Air Quality
Clean filters and air ducts result in better and cleaner airflow inside the home. This means a healthier and safer environment for you and the people who matter the most.

Proper Upkeep of Your AC Means Better Health and Savings
Keeping your cooling system in excellent condition will keep your family comfortable and healthy all year round. In addition, you get to save money and consume less energy than needed.

Sign Up for a Preventative Maintenance Agreement
Air conditioners are usually scheduled for tune-ups in the spring to ensure that all components are working come summertime. To find affordable packages that suit your cooling system’s size and specific needs, turn to Bounds Heating & Air. We proudly cater to clients in and around Gainesville, Florida.

Explore the Benefits of HVAC Zoning

Standard heating and cooling systems were built to push the hot or cold air evenly through each vent in a structure. This means that during winter, heated air will come out of all vents in the same way air-conditioning will cool all rooms in a home or building during summer.

With the development and innovation of smart thermostat systems, we can now control which rooms and spaces are cooled or heated through HVAC zoning. To learn more about how property owners can benefit from having a zone heating and cooling system, check out this list:

Increased Energy Efficiency

With HVAC zoning, no energy is wasted since cool or warm air only goes through vents you choose to open at a given time. This is convenient and ideal, especially in homes or structures where not all rooms are always used.

Energy Savings

Since your HVAC system is not working too hard to cool or heat your entire home or building every single day, you save money on energy bills.

Enhanced Comfort for Everyone

You get to customize the thermostat setting for every room, depending on a family member’s preference. This means no more fighting over the temperature in your home—a win-win situation for all.

Longer Life Span for Your HVAC System

There will be less wear and tear on your unit because it won’t be working as hard to maintain the desired temperature throughout a structure day in and day out.

No Noisy Vents

Unlike standard heating and cooling systems, where air is blasted through all vents, resulting in continuous loud noise, in a zoned system, air is directed through specific vents. So, the HVAC unit is quietly running in the background and pushing air only where needed.

Single-Unit Heating and Cooling

It is now possible to have a single unit for your HVAC system instead of having two separate ones for your heating and air-conditioning. This reduces your overall installation and maintenance expenses.

HVAC Zoning Means More Savings and Added Comfort

Having a modern HVAC system is not only convenient but also helps improve your quality of life. It can give you fewer things to worry about, such as high energy consumption and low comfort levels due to hot or cold spots in your home.

Achieve the Ideal Temperature and Comfort Level in Your Space

Make your home or workplace a better and more comfortable space to live and work in with the help of Bounds Heating & Air. Reach out to us today to discuss your heating and cooling needs. We offer a range of HVAC solutions in and around Gainesville, FL.

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