HVAC Tips: Ways to Conserve Energy This Spring

How to Combat Rising Humidity & Temperatures

Spring in Maryland and Virginia can be unpredictable, with warm days suddenly giving way to cooler nights. This season of fluctuating weather patterns makes it the perfect time to consider how to manage your home's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems efficiently.

Keep reading to learn about these five simple yet effective HVAC topics and save on costs this spring:

1. Optimal ceiling fan use
2. Understanding humidity
3. Efficient thermostat use
4. Harnessing the power of daylight
5. Annual professional maintenance

Leverage the Power of Ceiling Fans and Open Windows

One of the easiest ways to keep your home comfortable without over-relying on your HVAC system is to use ceiling fans and open windows to enhance air circulation. Ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise, pushing cool air down and creating a breezy effect, making rooms feel cooler. Combine this with strategically opening windows during cooler parts of the day or evening, and you can significantly reduce the need for artificial cooling.

BONUS TIP: opening your windows and improving air circulation can also help preserve good indoor air quality!

Manage the Humidity Levels Within Your Home

A key aspect of maintaining comfort in spring is managing indoor humidity levels. High humidity can make your home feel warmer than it actually is, prompting unnecessary air conditioning use. Simple practices like using exhaust fans in your bathroom during showers and in your kitchen while cooking can remove excess moisture from the air. This effort to control humidity not only improves overall comfort but also contributes to reducing your energy consumption.

BONUS TIP: if your home feels too dry but you don't want to increase overall temperatures, try using cool mist humidifiers in the areas where you spend the most time. This can also help alleviate allergy symptoms!

Operate Your Thermostat Efficiently

How you manage your thermostat settings plays a crucial role in energy conservation. During spring, set your thermostat slightly warmer than you think you need. For example, set your thermostat to 74° instead of 72°. This will keep your home from overheating while also saving you on energy costs.

Utilizing programmable or smart thermostats can offer even greater efficiency by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your daily schedule and preferences. This ensures your HVAC system isn't working overtime when you're not home or sleeping.

BONUS TIP: Resist the temptation to turn your thermostat much lower than you need. This does not speed up cooling; it only causes your system to run for much longer, using up energy.

Utilize Daylight and Window Treatments To Your Advantage

Maximizing natural light can help reduce dependency on heating during chillier spring mornings. Meanwhile, using blinds and curtains to block the sun in the hottest part of the day can keep unwanted heat out during warmer days. These strategies, along with proper fan and ventilation methods, are simple, cost-effective strategies to regulate your home's temperature naturally.

BONUS TIP: Installing soft coverings, like curtains, over your blinds can add an extra layer of insulation, helping you keep conditioned air from escaping. It can also help keep heat in during the winter, saving you on HVAC costs year-round.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance Annually

Perhaps the most important tip for ensuring long-term energy savings is having your HVAC system professionally serviced yearly. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently, uses less energy, and is less likely to encounter costly breakdowns. April is the ideal time for this annual maintenance, as it prepares your system for the heavier workloads seen in the summer months.

BONUS TIP: change your air filters between maintenance visits (or every 3-4 months) to help further boost system efficiency and improve indoor air quality.

Looking for more ways to improve your HVAC system's efficiency? Ready to schedule your annual maintenance visit? Contact Donmar Heating, Cooling & Plumbing online to get started.