Reducing Air Conditioning Costs | Katy, TX
Reducing AC Costs | Air Conditioning Repair Katy
You can reduce the workload on your air conditioning system, as well as the cost of operating it by utilizing the following tips. As a result of implementing these tips, you will receive the additional benefit of increased comfort, as well as reducing the need for air conditioning repair in Katy. Your home will be cooler and more comfortable and will cost you less on energy bills year round. This article contains Part 1 of reducing AC costs.
The cooling load is the amount of heat to be removed from a home by the air conditioner to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during a worst case scenario of extreme heat, as well as during typical summer temperatures.
The factors that influence your home’s cooling load are as follows:
- Glass doors
- Windows
- Sunlight entering windows, skylights, or glass doors
- Exterior walls
- Partitions (that separate spaces of different temperatures)
- A rooms ceilings located under the attic
- Roofs
- Floors over an open crawl space
- Air infiltration around doors, and windows, vent pipes, unsealed intrusions (such as pipes)
- The number of persons in the home
- Appliances
- Lights
- Ductwork located in an unconditioned space that is not insulated or unsealed
A number of homeowners feel their homes are adequately sealed. Unfortunately, the reality is that a majority of homes experience numerous sources of heat gain from air leaks around windows, doors, attic entry and other gaps. Furthermore, window heat gain and the lack of adequate insulation add to the cooling load and cause unnecessary elevation of the electric bill, as well as increased wear and tear on your AC system, necessitating the need for increased air conditioning repair in Katy.
These issues can be eliminated through sealing air intrusions, increasing insulation and the routine maintenance and service of your air conditioner.
Various materials are available for sealing air intrusions throughout the home and include caulking, weather stripping, expanding foam and other products. These products are low cost, and provide benefits that far exceed the initial cost.
Insufficient insulation allows excessive heat gain to enter the home from the roof and hot attic, inefficient windows, and heat gain through under-insulated walls. A thermography scan will reveal specific heat gain and loss issues, and will enable you to add insulation where it is needed for the greatest cost effectiveness.
Providing routine maintenance to the air conditioning system will keep components operating at peak performance, which reduces the workload on the system and prevents premature failure of the components, while reducing the need for air conditioning repair in Katy.
The single most important action a homeowner can take in caring for the air conditioning system is changing the filter routinely. A dirty and clogged filter causes premature wear and will substantially increase the systems use of electricity. Furthermore, a dirty filter can lead to the failure of components which require air conditioning repair in Katy. Filters are available in different grades, ensure you use a type of filter recommended for your system.
If you have questions regarding the appropriate filter for your system ask your HVAC technician or your systems manufacturer.
Let’s take a look at how you can address some of these issues while reducing the workload on the AC resulting in a more comfortable home, improved energy efficiency and a reduction in wear and tear on the AC resulting in the need for less air conditioning repair in Katy.
Glass Doors and Windows
Glass is a poor insulator, and windows are one of the common factors leading to heat gain, and the increased workload on the AC. This workload directly correlates to premature wear and the need for increased air conditioning repair in Katyunless you have energy efficient windows some action is required to reduce their impact of heat gain and loss. The preferred choice is to have energy efficient windows installed. Not every homeowner can afford this option and you do have lower cost alternatives.
The next option is to install UV/heat blocking window film. Simple film available from home supply stores will stop heat gain from the sun. Higher grades of window film are available that are thicker and easier to handle. Some even claim to be the equivalent of adding a two pane insulated window. They all work great to block heat gain and some offer UV filtration as well.
The drawback to these products is cost, though they are significantly lower in cost than new energy efficient windows. You can purchase it for as little as $30 that will cover approximately 5 windows. The product can also be applied to glass doors and works just as effectively. Window film preserves a view, while blocking heat gain almost entirely. The products perform amazingly well, and are probably right up there with increased insulation in reducing AC workload, preventing the wear of its components and subsequently reducing the need for air conditioning repair in Katy.
The third option is the use of drapes. Though not as efficient as window film it will help. For the best effectiveness use white or light colored drapes.
The second action you can provide with your homes windows and doors is to seal air intrusions. Around doors ensure the gaskets are intact, remain pliable for a tight seal and don’t allow gaps in the seal. Check your door with a damp hand to detect air intrusion, and view it when the sun shines on it. If you daylight is visible around the door, it is in need of sealing.
Feel around windows for air intrusions, and if your windows are leaking air into or out of your home, use caulking, or other products to seal the leaks. Homes are frequently built with a lack of insulation around the window frame. Removing the wooden casings on the wall surrounding windows is the only way to correct this lapse in carpentry.
Unsealed windows and doors allow hot air to enter the home, especially when the AC runs. These air leaks increase the load on the system, leading to air conditioning repair in Katy.
In Part 2 of this series, we will continue our overview of improving your homes envelope to reduce both the cost of cooling your home, while reducing the workload on your AC to improve its efficiency, performance and reduce the wear that leads to air conditioning repair in Katy.
If you haven’t had your AC serviced and tuned-up for the summer, give Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified experts a call today. We are available for your air conditioning installation, air conditioning repair in Katy, maintenance and all of your HVAC needs. Thanks for visiting our site.
