In the heat of the summer, we all find ourselves reaching for that AC control to pump more cool air into our homes. However, there are far smarter ways to improve your home cooling levels and save money while doing it. Here’s how to save up to 50% on your air conditioning bill by using ductless cooling this summer.
Ductless vs. Central AC Systems and Efficiency  Â
One of the most frustrating things about conventional air conditioning systems is that they depend on ducts to deliver cool air to your rooms. The problem with this method is that the cool air heats up and can leak from improperly sealed ducts. By the time it reaches its destination, the cool air is not so cool anymore. In addition, your system works from one central control. As a result, what happens is the controller reads the temperature in that one spot and adjusts based on that temperature, causing hot spots throughout your home.
This means your rooms upstairs, or rooms that have more sun exposure that tend to be warmer, remain warm because the system isn’t meeting the special needs of those rooms. This leads to temperature wars with some people in the house who are cold and others who are sweating. Thankfully, ductless mini-split heat pumps offer a solution to efficiently keep the air cool.
Install a Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump
Ductless mini-split heat cooling systems don’t depend on ducts, but instead use an outside pump and inside air handlers. Each unit has its own controller and also sends refrigerant from the outdoor unit to the indoor air handler to condition the air, so the air remains cool.
As a result, you have the ideal temperature in each room, while also having the choice to completely turn off the air conditioning in rooms that are not in use. Ductless AC is easier to maintain and provides the optimum energy-saving strategy. It also keeps everyone completely comfortable even on the hottest days of the year.
Tips to Keep Your Home CoolÂ
A properly maintained ductless heating and cooling system, along with some effective energy-saving habits, can reduce your monthly air conditioning bill by up to 50%.
Service Your Ductless AC Early
Before the temperatures even start to rise, you should have your air conditioning unit serviced. This ensures your system reaches optimum performance efficiency. A trained professional will do a complete assessment and make any repairs or adjustments, so your system is primed to perform. You’ll also help extend the life of your system.
Keep Your Outdoor Unit Free of Debris
Make sure your outdoor unit is free of debris like fallen branches and leaves, as well as overgrown vegetation and weeds. This will allow your system to remain free of blockages that make it work harder due to poor air circulation.
Upgrade Your Insulation
Many people associate insulation with keeping a home warm. However, its job is to maintain ideal temperatures in your home all year round. In the summertime, if your wall and attic insulation are not good enough, it will allow warm air to enter the home and let cold air escape. The end result is a stuffy, hot home. With proper insulation, you’ll keep cold air in and hot air out.
Use Smart Window Management
Block out the sun’s rays by closing your blinds and curtains during the day, especially in south-facing rooms. This will keep your home cooler. You can also consider upgrading your curtains to UV ray blocking sunshades, designed to improve insulation, or installing exterior awnings on south-facing windows.
Use LED Light Bulbs
While it might seem incandescent light bulbs could never contribute to the heat in your home, they actually can. Swap them out for LED bulbs to keep your home cool and save energy.
Don’t Use Heat-Producing Appliances During the Day
Running heat-producing appliances during the day, such as your dryer or oven, adds heat to your home. Even running the dishwasher, which depends on hot water for cleaning, can contribute to the heat. Wait to use them in the evening whenever possible. Your barbecue is ideal for those hot steamy days when your oven should be given a break.
Talk to the Experts
Contact Alpine Ductless here or call us at (360) 615-2740 to see if a ductless heating and cooling system is right for you!
We proudly install Ductless Heating and Cooling Systems for homeowners like you in Pierce County including Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Fox Island, University Place, Bonney Lake and more.