When the heat of summer peaks, we all crave the comfort of a cool home. Unfortunately, that refreshing climate comes at a cost… hefty air conditioning bills that can wreak havoc on the monthly budget.
At A/C Rescue, we try to help our customers combine comfort with savings. Here are a few easy tips to help you save on your air conditioning expenses during the remaining months of the summer.
Be a Fan of Fans
Ceiling fans and oscillating fans are your best friends when attempting to beat the summer heat. They help circulate cool air around your home and make you feel up to 4 degrees cooler. By placing fans around your house in strategic places, you can reduce AC usage (which, of course, saves on energy costs.)
Fans also help by drying sweat from your skin. By using our body’s natural cooling system, you can make your house feel cooler than it actually is.
Use Your Curtains and Blinds
Curtains and blinds are more than just decor. They can play a big role in keeping your home cool. About 30% of your home’s cool air can be lost through the windows when the sun heats them.
Keep your blinds and curtains closed during the day to block the sunlight and stop extra heat from getting inside your home. This simple trick can lower the temperature inside and ease the load on your AC.
For even better results, consider using solar screens. These special shades can block the sun’s UV rays, even when your windows are open!
Genius Idea: Smart Thermostats
A little thermostat know-how can help you save on energy costs.
If you’re out for a while, set your thermostat to around 78 degrees. When you return, adjust it to a comfy temperature, but keep it above 74 degrees to save on your power bill while keeping your home cool.
If you find that adjusting the thermostat multiple times a day is difficult to remember, think about getting a programmable thermostat. You can set a schedule so your home’s temperature adjusts on its own.
Another handy tip: know when to use the high / low settings on your fan speed. When it is extra humid, set the speed to low… and when the humidity is low, set the speed to high. Slower fan speed can cool your home better because it helps remove moisture from the air.
The Kitchen Culprit
It’s not just the weather outside that warms up your home. Indoor appliances like stoves and ovens introduce additional heat into your space, which makes your air conditioner have to work even harder to keep up.
When possible, use these appliances at night, when it is cooler outside. Better yet, if you can grill outside, you’ll avoid heating your kitchen altogether.
Don’t forget… when you cook in the kitchen, use the exhaust fan afterwards. This helps to eliminate heat and smells much quicker.
Regular Maintenance is Important
It’s frustrating when you turn on your AC and feel a gust of warm air smack you right in the face. It is not uncommon for an air conditioner to stop working just when you need it the most.
To prevent this, schedule a maintenance check with our expert technicians. We’ll ensure that your AC is tuned up and working smoothly. By catching any potential problems early, we can help you avoid expensive emergency repairs when the mercury starts rising.
Another important step you can take is to trim plants and trees near your outdoor unit to prevent blockages. Regular trimming can stop leaves, twigs, and other debris from clogging up your condenser.
Time for a New AC?
If your AC is old and struggling, you can bet that it is increasing your energy bill. If your HVAC has been running for over 10 years and is showing signs of wear, it’s probably time to think about a replacement.
New AC units include state-of-the-art technology that helps them perform more efficiently. While cooling your home better, they use less energy and save you money over time. The cost of a new system can often be made up in energy savings over its lifetime.
Many people are now choosing ductless AC units instead of traditional ones. Ductless units can often cut energy costs by up to 60% because they avoid the common inefficiencies of central systems that have ductwork.
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoy a cool, comfortable summer, and save a few bucks along the way.
At A/C Rescue, we’re here to help with all your air conditioning needs. Give our team a call today at (972) 278-6800 to set up an appointment with our experienced professionals. And remember… when you have an AC emergency, we will always come to your rescue!