The cooling load of your home is the amount of cooling that must be generated by your air conditioner or heat pump to meet preferred temperature levels. By reducing your home’s cooling load, you can decrease your monthly air conditioning costs and reduce the overall use of your air conditioning system. Here are several ways you can effectively reduce your home’s cooling load.
- Seal duct leaks: Air and energy leaks can account for a substantial waste of money and energy every month. Check the ductwork of your cooling system for loose connections, gaps and openings, or other places where cool air can escape the ducts. Reset loose sections and make sure they fit together tightly, then seal connections with mastic or metal tape. A well-sealed ductwork system can improve monthly savings on cooling bills by up to 50 percent.
- Increase insulation: Add appropriate levels of insulation to your basement, attic, walls, ceilings and crawl spaces. Insulate ductwork with rigid fiber board insulation or wrap it with blanket-style insulation to prevent energy loss through the metal itself. If needed, add more insulation in areas that are already insulated.
- Block sunlight: Excess sunlight shining into your home causes heat gain, or an increase in your home’s indoor temperature. Close drapes or curtains to keep this sunlight out. Install light-blocking window treatments.
- Reduce or eliminate indoor heat sources: Avoid using conventional ovens for cooking, especially during daytime; use microwave ovens, toaster ovens or countertop grills instead. Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps. Operate major heat-generating appliances such as dryers and dishwashers at night when it’s cooler.
- Keep cooling system maintained: Have your HVAC contractor perform regular preventive maintenance on your cooling system to keep it working at its best. Change filters regularly, every month if dirty, every three months otherwise.
For more than 49 years, Arpi’s Industries Ltd. has provided professional HVAC and home comfort services to customers in Calgary, Alberta and surrounding areas. Contact us today for more information on assessing your home’s cooling load and for expert advice on techniques to reduce your home’s cooling load and overall air conditioner use.
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