I’m pretty sure Houston decided to skip winter this year and launch into spring instead. I will never complain about a beautiful, mild spring day here in Houston, but I know it’s just an opening act for the suffering heat and humidity that is summer in Texas.

As the heat index rises, it becomes more and more difficult to stay cool in the heat. Our air conditioning units have to work harder and harder to keep our homes cool as well, which causes our electricity bills to rise in the warmer months.

Here are a few easy ways to minimize the amount of energy your HVAC unit is using this summer:

Control Your Thermostat – Setting your thermostat 7-10 degrees warmer when you aren’t at home can help you conserve energy and lower your electricity bill. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can schedule the temperature to automatically change during the hours that you typically aren’t home.

Use Your Windows – In Houston, we don’t have too many cool summer nights, so opening the windows at night probably won’t help you too much. Your house will be the coolest upon waking in the morning, having had time to cool off with the sun gone and the AC on. Make sure all the windows are shut and sealed tight, and close the blinds or window fixtures to trap the cool air inside. Sunlight streaming through the windows will heat your home even more.

Use Your Fans – According to Energy.gov, you can lower the temperature setting on your thermometer up to 4 degrees when using your ceiling fans without feeling a difference in the comfort level of your home.

HVAC Maintenance – We always stress this and we will continue to stress this, because it is IMPORTANT! If you take care of your HVAC system, your HVAC system will take care of you. Think of it like maintenance on your car: how long will your car last you if you never get the oil changed or the tires rotated? Not very long. Maintenance is important to stay ahead of any potential disasters and to keep your HVAC unit in good working order.

HVAC systems are a major investment and should be properly maintained in order to maximize their performance and lifespan. For questions regarding your HVAC system or to schedule an AC tuneup, contact Efficient Climate Control today.