As temperatures start to rise, many of us begin cranking up the AC in an effort to stay cool. However, this can lead to a spike in our energy bills. With your AC unit working extra hard to keep your home cool, it’s important to be mindful of ways to lower AC costs. Here are a few tips to help you save money this summer:
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First, Ensure Your AC unit is Properly Maintained
One of the best ways to lower your air conditioning costs is to ensure that your AC unit is properly maintained. This means having it serviced by a professional at least once a year and making sure that it is clean and free of debris. It’s always advisable to book an AC tune-up before the start of summer, so you can be sure that your unit is running at peak efficiency.
HVAC Experts at Efficientairservice.com note that a regular AC tune-up can lower your energy bills by up to 30% and prevent up to 95% of potential air conditioning repairs. A tune-up involves:
- Cleaning and changing air filters
- Inspecting and cleaning coils
- Cleaning blowers and fans
- Checking Freon levels
- Lubricating moving parts
- Tightening electrical connections
- Checking the thermostat for accuracy
Complement Your AC With Secondary Cooling Sources
If you live in a particularly hot climate, your air conditioner has to work hard to keep your home cool, resulting in higher energy bills than usual. To ease the strain on your AC unit and lower your costs, complement it with secondary cooling sources. Here are some recommendations:
- Install ceiling fans: Ceiling fans and floor fans can help circulate air and make a room feel cooler without running the AC. Use fans to create a wind chill effect that makes you feel cooler without actually lowering the temperature in the room.
- Use portable fans: Portable fans are less expensive to operate than air conditioners and can be moved from room to room as needed. If you have a window unit air conditioner, open the windows in rooms that aren’t being cooled and place a fan in the window to draw the cool air inside.
- Close blinds and curtains: Keeping your windows covered will help block out the sun’s heat, making it easier for your AC unit to keep the temperature down.
Avoid Creating More Heat Indoors
You should also avoid creating more heat indoors. This can be done by avoiding using ovens and stovetops and not using electronics that give off heat. During the summer, heat from cooking can make your home feel even hotter. Take advantage of the nice weather and cook outdoors on the grill or in a portable outdoor kitchen.
Not only will this keep your house cooler, but you’ll also get to enjoy some time outside with family and friends. At night, open windows to let in cooler air. If it’s not too humid, you can also use a fan to circulate the air and help cool things down. The goal is to avoid accumulating more heat inside your home so that your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard – and use as much energy.
Install a Smart AC Thermostat
You can actually save up to 30% on energy bills by installing a smart thermostat. With programmable features that allow you automatically regulate indoor temperatures, you can set your AC to run less when you’re away from home or asleep. You can also set different temperatures for different times of the day and in different rooms.
This means you’re not wasting energy cooling an empty house or rooms that are being used. A smart thermostat will help you optimize your AC usage and save even more money. With convenience features like remote access and automatic scheduling, you’ll have complete control over your AC unit, comfort, and energy bill.
You Don’t Have to Pay High Energy Bills
Don’t wait until your energy bill arrives to start thinking about how to lower your air conditioning costs. Take some proactive steps now, and you’ll be rewarded with lower bills all summer long.
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