Spring Energy Savings Tips
Spring isn’t coming all that willingly to Boise and the Treasure Valley, but once it does hit things will heat up fast. Keeping the energy bill from skyrocketing during the warmer months can be difficult, but with some adjustments it can be done.
1. Thermostats
One of the best ways to cool a home efficiently is with a programmable thermostat. It is estimated that this alone can save 10 percent per year on heating and cooling costs. Along with switching to a programmable thermostat, incorporate these ideas:
Keep the temperature as high as comfort allows. The smaller the difference compared to the outdoor temperature, the less the air conditioner must work.
Turn the thermostat even higher when away on vacation to save energy.
Program the thermostat to be warmer during the day while nobody is home, and cool down right before someone comes home from work or school
2. Windows
Windows have a lot to do with the temperature inside the home. From window treatments to air leaks, they can directly impact how hot or cool a room stays. Use window treatments that allow for the use of natural light while reducing heat loss and gain.
Check the seal around windows to prevent cool air from leaking out and warm air from coming in. Reseal any sections that have cracks or leaks present to help seal up the house.
3. Fans and Ventilation
Although fans do not actually cool the air down, they do make a room more comfortable for whoever is in it by reducing their body heat. This allows the thermostat to be set about 4 degrees higher than usual without affecting comfort. When not in a room, turn off ceiling fans to save on power. Also consider natural ventilation by opening windows during cooler nights. This creates a chimney effect that cools the home down.
Diamond Heating and Cooling wants everyone to stay comfortable this spring. Call the Diamond team when experiencing any furnace or air conditioner problems.
Common HVAC Problems
Different HVAC problems occur at various times of the year. Homeowners in Boise and the surrounding areas are getting closer to turning on their air conditioners, which could reveal a few issues.
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
After being neglected outside all winter, the condenser coil may be clogged with dirt or other debris. This keep the AC from cooling the home properly, using massive amounts of energy to try to keep up with demands, and other issues. During an annual AC maintenance check, Diamond Heating and Cooling will check on the condenser coil and clean it if necessary to keep the unit running efficiently.
2. Tripped Breakers
Turning the air conditioner on for the first time in the summer can be full of dread, wondering if it will turn on and work properly. If it doesn’t, don’t panic. First, check the breakers and fuses to see if anything has been tripped. This is a very common occurrence when the AC is first turned on. If that doesn’t seem to be the issue, call Diamond Heating and Cooling right away to get cool air moving through the house.
3. Contractor Failure
There’s a switch that operates all the components of the AC, both inside and out. It is located on the outside of the unit and consists of a control coil, a metal plunger, and one or more sets of electrical contacts. Although there are many reasons this could fail, one of the most commonly found issues is due to ants. Ants tend to clog contractors because they use them for warmth. This could prevent the switch from flipping, not allowing the outside unit to turn on.
Cleaning the ants out should do the trick.
Call Diamond Heating and Cooling with any air conditioner concerns or
to schedule
AC maintenance before the season heats up.
Kids Craft: Eggshell Flowerpots
Get children interested in gardening with eggshell flowerpots. This easy craft will teach them how to have a green thumb and maybe a thing or two about patience.
Supplies:
- 12 eggshells
- Egg carton
- Dampened potting soil
- Seeds
- Scissors
- Spoon
Directions
Crack all of the eggshells by carefully cracking the top (pointy side) of the egg off as far toward the top as possible.
Reserve the eggs for another use and carefully wash the inside of the shell out. Use scissors to cut a wider opening if needed.
Using a teaspoon, fill each shell with the soil leaving about an inch of room at the top
Scatter the seeds of your choosing on the soil and gently pat down.
Place the egg shells back in the carton and place in an area that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Water carefully by misting the seeds starts two days after planting.
Watch them grow!
April Diamond Hugs
We are continuing our volunteer work with the Boise Rescue Mission for the month of April.