The weather in April tends to have an identity crisis: one morning you’re reaching for a sweater and the heater, and by the afternoon, you’re tempted to crank the AC. This constant back-and-forth can wreak havoc on your utility bills if you aren’t careful.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between comfort and your budget. By combining a few smart tech upgrades with a few simple DIY tips, you can keep your home perfectly cozy while keeping your costs down.
Smart Thermostats = Strategic Savings
If you’re still using a manual thermostat, it’s likely you’re paying for more energy than you need to be using. Instead, adding a smart thermostat can prevent your system from running when you’re not home, or using energy to heat or cool your home when the outdoor temperature can do some of the work instead.
A smart thermostat can be programmed to use “Auto” mode, which switches between heating and cooling within a specific range, ensuring your system doesn’t overwork itself trying to hit a single, static number. Also, many smart thermostats can sense when your phone leaves the house, automatically adjusting the temperature to an “Eco-mode” until you return.
The “Counter-Clockwise” Rule
It’s the simplest HVAC hack in the book, but it’s the most forgotten. Look up at your ceiling fans—which way are they spinning?
In the winter, ceiling fans should spin clockwise to push warm air down. In April, you should flip the switch on the fan motor so the blades spin counter-clockwise which causes air to blow directly down on you. It doesn’t actually lower the room temperature, but it makes you feel cooler. Then, you can adjust the thermostat up by a few degrees, using less energy, without noticing a major difference in how cool you feel.
Use the Sun to Your Advantage
In April, the sun is getting stronger, but the air is still crisp. Rather than adjusting the thermostat up and down, use your windows to influence the temperature in your home. Keep south-facing curtains open to let the sun naturally warm your home, reducing the need for more heat. Once the outdoor temperature picks up, close the blinds on the sunny side of the house specifically to prevent your AC from kicking on early.
Is Your System Ready for An Upgrade?
Smart tech and ceiling fans are great, but they can’t make up for a struggling AC unit. If your system is aging, clogged with winter debris, or low on refrigerant, it will work twice as hard to do half the job.
Don’t wait for the first sweltering day of spring to find out your system is failing. Give the Tuckers team a call for an April tune-up, or have us get you a competitive quote for a new system so you stay cool and save money on energy bills this summer.