In Montana, it feels like we only get two seasons—winter and summer! Winters bury the Bridgers in snow, while summers are filled with blue-skied, long days when the sun doesn’t set until well into the evening. As much as we love the few months of the year when we get warmer weather, summers in Montana can get very hot. The heat can feel unrelenting!
The welcomed chill of good air conditioning offers a wonderful reprieve. More and more homes in Bozeman use air conditioning to bring cool relief from endless, scorching summer days. However, if you are not using energy-efficient air conditioning best practices, you’re not only going to waste time and money, but you’re also going to reduce the amount of cool air you could be enjoying. You might as well have the front door of your home wide open, letting the cool air out and hot air in.
High summer air conditioning bills can often take a toll on your wallet and peace of mind if you aren’t careful. At Mountain Heating and Cooling, we value your budget and your comfort, so we curated a list of energy-saving practices that you can use during the summer months. Read on to explore four best practices that can help optimize your HVAC system’s energy efficiency during the long summer months in Montana.
1. Schedule Regular A/C Maintenance
Most homeowners do not want to replace their air conditioners in the heat of summer. Have no fear—our Bozeman HVAC contractors and technicians are highly trained professionals who make the whole process effortless.
We often find that debris in cooling systems and neglected maintenance are two of the top reasons air conditioning units work poorly or break down altogether. One minute, you are enjoying the refreshing comfort of your home, and the next, you are wondering why it feels as stifling inside your house as it does outside.
To avoid needing to schedule a new air conditioner installation this summer, take advantage of these two easy tips:
- Clean and replace air filters: Every air conditioner has an air filter that helps remove larger dust and dirt particles from the air as the unit runs. If neglected, dust and particles can build up and clog the filter, making your air conditioning system work harder and less efficiently. This can prevent your home from cooling properly and may cause your monthly energy bills to spike. Cleaning or replacing air filters every few months can help keep your air conditioner running smoothly.
- Maintain your outdoor A/C unit: Keeping the area around your outdoor unit clean and free from clutter can help it perform well all summer. Trim back shrubs and overgrown plants that may interfere with the unit’s operation. Having a technician clean your HVAC system before and after the summer months can also reduce utility costs and help prevent premature repairs or A/C failure.
Fortunately, many common air conditioning issues are avoidable. With proper maintenance from a qualified technician, you can take important steps to prevent breakdowns and keep your system operating efficiently.
2. Utilize Window Treatments and Fans
Window treatments and fans can work together to cool your home so your A/C unit doesn’t have to work as hard. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by 45%. Installing blinds and other window treatments can be an easy and helpful way to block out the sweltering summer heat.
Using ceiling or circulating fans can also disperse air throughout a room, helping the space feel cooler and potentially reducing costly utility bills.
- Hang curtain shades as close to your windows as possible to help block radiant outdoor heat.
- Turn on fans while you are in the room to circulate the air and make the space feel cooler.
- Turn fans off when you leave the room to avoid wasting energy.
3. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
At Mountain Heating and Cooling, we use ENERGY STAR-certified products such as Trane air conditioners and smart thermostats. Programmable and smart thermostats give you more control over your cooling system and offer additional opportunities to optimize your home’s energy use.
Smart and programmable thermostats can use less energy than standard thermostats. They can be scheduled to turn your cooling system on at specific times, helping you avoid wasting power while you are away from home. This also prevents your A/C unit from having to run continuously throughout the day.
Useful smart thermostat features may include:
- Using real-time weather data to help determine an appropriate temperature setting for your home.
- Scheduling options that allow you to adjust your thermostat from a tablet, computer, or smartphone.
- Remote monitoring that lets you check your HVAC system while you are away from home.
4. Properly Seal and Insulate Your Home
Why should you seal and insulate your home? It is simple: It saves energy and money.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper insulation and air sealing can lower your heating and cooling costs. Homes without adequate insulation and sealing can experience unwanted temperature gains and losses, creating uncomfortable indoor conditions during hot summer weather.
Adding insulation and sealing gaps in your attic, around windows and doors, and near floors can help your air conditioning system perform optimally. These improvements prevent cool air from escaping and stop warm outdoor air from entering your home. They can also help make your home more comfortable throughout the summer.
Use Summer Air Conditioning Best Practices and Enjoy the Energy Savings
Wise summer air conditioning decisions can mean the difference between enjoying the cool sanctuary of your home and wishing you were anywhere else. Investing the time to use these tips can keep your air conditioning system operating at its best and help ensure it continues working efficiently for years to come.
If your system begins showing signs that it needs maintenance, repairs, or replacement, reach out to Mountain Heating and Cooling, your air conditioning installation experts. We’ve got your back!
