Spring has arrived, so it’s nearly time to switch the HVAC system from heating to cooling. As the weather warms up, employ some energy-saving tactics to lower utility bills and keep your system in top operating condition. The following advice will give you a head start.

How to Use Your HVAC System More Efficiently in the Spring

1. Get Your System Evaluated

Have your HVAC system evaluated by a professional contractor, who will check the operating efficiency of the unit and ensure each component is working as it should. They will also identify components that may soon need replacing, so you can plan ahead for these expenses. They may also recommend getting some air conditioning repairs done before they worsen and become costlier projects.

2. Replace Your Filters

At the start of the season, replace the air filters in your heating and cooling system to ensure it’s starting the season in the top condition. Check your filters once a month and replace them when necessary—about every three months.

Operating an air conditioner with dirty filters will inhibit the system’s operation, causing it to work harder and consume more energy. It will also cause the dirt and allergens in the filter to recirculate throughout the house, which can cause breathing difficulties and other health hazards.

3. Use Ceiling Fans

Using a ceiling fan in conjunction with your cooling system will help keep energy usage and costs down. This is because the fan redistributes the cooled air more evenly throughout the room. By using a ceiling fan on warmer days, you can save money on your overall cooling costs throughout the spring and summer. In rooms that don’t have ceiling fans, a portable oscillating fan may be just as effective.

4. Cover Windows

You can also reduce your energy use by covering windows on sunny days. The sunshine warms your home as it passes through the glass of the window. By drawing the curtains or closing window blinds, you’ll keep the house cooler, and your system will run less overall. You should also consider the placement of your thermostat to prevent exposure to the sun. If direct sunlight is hitting your thermostat, this may cause your HVAC system to run more often than intended.

Ashland Furnace Co. has been providing heating and cooling services to residential and commercial customers throughout Boyd County, KY, and Portsmouth, OH, for more than 50 years. Their experienced and certified technicians will help you keep your system operating as efficiently as possible. To learn more about their services, visit them online. To schedule service, call (606) 325-3211.