5 Tips for Reducing Your AC Bills During the Summer

Fortunately, staying cool in the summer does not have to come with steep AC bills. There are a few simple tricks and hacks which a savvy homeowner can employ to stay out of the heat without feeling the burn in your bank account.

Here are some helpful tips for you to follow:

1. Check your windows: Particularly in older homes, or ones that get a lot of direct sunlight, windows are probably one of the main factors leading to steep AC bills. However, if you are not willing to undertake an expensive upgrade, there are some easier solutions you can use to minimize costs. By resealing your windows where necessary and installing blackout blinds on windows that get a lot of direct sunlight, you can greatly cut down the loss of cool air in your home.
2. Install a programmable thermostat: So much money is wasted every year cooling homes that are empty for several hours a day. By installing a programmable thermostat, you can take control of when your AC unit is cooling your house, ensuring it is only used when needed and shuts off when the desired temperature is reached.
3. Use fans when possible: Plug-in and ceiling fans are a great solution when you only need cooling in a single room or for a short amount of time. They consume relatively little power and do not waste money cooling rooms you are not spending time in.
4. Replace HVAC filters: A lot of people neglect their HVAC filters, letting layer upon layer of particulates build up. This can greatly reduce the performance of an HVAC unit while putting extra strain on the system. This not only consumes more power but also can reduce the lifespan of an HVAC unit in the long run.
5. Get your AC system serviced: By far the best way to keep you AC bills down is to have your HVAC unit regularly serviced by a trained professional. They will be able to identify any issues with a unit which might be causing it to run inefficiently, increasing power consumption.

Read more: https://energycentre.ca/ways-to-lower-your-ac-costs-in-ottawa-this-summer/

Should I Get An Air Conditioner This Year?

If your AC is over 10 to 15 years old and shows the below signs, it may leave you sweating on a hot summer day!

• Inadequate air flow or absence of cold air
• Uneven cooling in different zones that does not resolve with a thermostat replacement
• Excessive leakage or moisture around the AC unit, which is damaging flooring or furniture
• Loud sounds coming from the AC – banging, rattling, grinding, or other unusual sounds
• Need for frequent repairs or component replacement to keep the machine up and running

Read more: https://energycentre.ca/should-i-get-an-air-conditioner-this-year/

How Do I Know If My Air Conditioner Will Last Another Year?

If your home’s cooling is currently dependent on an old and tired air conditioning unit, it may be time for you to decide between AC maintenance and AC replacement for the current year. With routine servicing and timely repairs, most ACs will last up to 10 to 15 years. However, if your AC is already nearing the end of its lifespan, it could potentially break down in the middle of a hot summer. The last-minute hassle of replacing an old AC means:

• Insufficient time to research different brands, evaluate your options, and organize your finances
• Sultry spaces that leave you and your loved ones sweating and uncomfortable
• Higher costs as you may not be able to take advantage of seasonal deals and discounts

The Energy Centre’s AC Experts suggest that homeowners should watch for certain key signs to identify an old and failing AC that may not last you through the season.

• Is the air flow and cooling uniform across all the rooms in your home?
• Is there any excessive leakage or moisture around your AC unit, which is leading to secondary issues, such as moisture, and mold?
• Does your AC make any loud or unusual sounds, such as whistling, banging, rattling, or grinding?
• Does your AC need frequent component repairs or replacement to keep it running through the season?
• Are your energy bills showing an unusual spike in recent months?

Read more: https://energycentre.ca/how-do-i-know-if-my-air-conditioner-will-last-another-year/

The Top 10 Best Furnace Brands and Models in Canada

A good furnace will offer you stable and efficient warmth during the winter months, while providing you with reliable service for 15-20 years when professionally maintained. That’s why it’s so important to take your time to consider your options so you can select the right heating system for your home. Here is our list of the top 10 best high-efficiency and cost-effective furnaces in Canada:

Best Value

1. York LX TM9V – 96% AFUE
2. Goodman GMVC96 – 96% AFUE
3. KeepRite ProComfort G9MX –5% AFUE

Middle-Range

1. Bryant Preferred Series 926TA –5% AFUE
2. American Standard Gold S9V2-VS – 97% AFUE
3. Amana ACVM97 – 97% AFUE
4. Coleman LX TM9V – 96% AFUE

High-End

1. Trane S9V2 – 96% AFUE
2. Carrier Performance Series 59TP6A –5% AFUE
3. Lennox Signature Collection SLP98V – 96% AFUE

Read more:https://energycentre.ca/what-are-the-top-10-best-furnaces-in-canada/