5 Ways to Reduce Cooling Costs This Summer
According to the United States Energy Information Administration, air conditioning accounts for 12% of total household energy costs. You can expect that number to go even higher during the hot summer months when there is greater demand for space cooling. To help you reduce your air conditioning bill this summer, here are 5 home energy-saving tips you can follow.
Use the ceiling fan from time to time.
To help save energy in your residential property, use alternative cooling techniques such as running floor fans or circulating fans. Fans use less energy than air conditioners. Experts estimate it would only add less than $10 to your utility bill even if you run the floor fans at high speed all summer. During extremely hot weather, running the fans at the same time as your air conditioner helps boost the cooling effect in your home, increasing indoor comfort and saving you more money.
Turn off your AC at night.
Since evening air is naturally cooler, you do not have to run the air conditioner as you sleep during the night. All you have to do is open some doors and windows and let the fresh evening air flow through your home. Turning off your air conditioner at night should save you some money.
Seal your doors and windows.
Support your air conditioning system by sealing air leaks around doors and windows in your home. Once cold air is allowed to flow through holes and gaps, and the hot summer air is let inside, your AC will be forced to work harder to keep your indoor spaces cool. Air leaks not only cause an extra strain on your air conditioning unit but also increase your energy consumption at home.
Install a programmable thermostat.
If you want to reduce your air conditioning bill this summer, consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. According to the United States Department of Energy, simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting can help you save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling. When buying a thermostat to install in your home, check first if it is compatible with your heating and cooling system. Otherwise, it could badly affect the functionality of your HVAC system.
Replace dirty AC air filters.
Dirty AC air filters may seem like a simple maintenance issue but it can cause the system to use more energy than usual. Dirt and dust in your AC air filters restrict proper airflow and reduce the efficiency of the unit. The DOE claimed that replacing dirty air filters helps lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
To maintain your air conditioner’s high efficiency, do not hesitate to schedule a professional AC repair. By promptly addressing the repair needs of your AC system, you can help prevent emergency breakdowns during the hot summer months. Book the service of your trusted local AC contractors today!
