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Tips to Help You Save on Air Conditioning Costs

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There’s nothing quite like stepping into your home on a hot summer day and being welcomed by a refreshing environment filled with cool air. A cool home in the summer is an invigorating feeling, but if you are constantly turning up the air conditioner, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise when your next energy bill arrives. Calfo Home Services provides helpful tips to keep your cooling expenses in check as the summer winds down and we move into the fall season.

During the summer months, air conditioning accounts for nearly 20% of all electricity consumption in the U.S. which causes a dramatic spike in energy bills. Using air conditioning in the summer is unavoidable but implementing the following tips and tricks can help you save money and reduce your energy bill. Here are a few energy-efficient measures to consider:

Tip #1: Raise the Temperature

Turning up the temperature might seem like a simple tip, but it can make a big difference in energy consumption. You should set the thermostat as high as comfortably possible in hot weather. Try keeping your house a bit warmer when you aren’t home, but cooler when you come home at night. The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill will be.

Tip #2: Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

If you don’t already own a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat, it might be worth investing in one for your home. Programmable and smart thermostats enable homeowners to preset temperatures based on day and time for increased efficiency and most of them can be operated remotely. For example, on weekdays in the summer, setting the temperature to 76 degrees from 9-5 when you’re away and automatically adjusting back to 72 degrees before you return home can result in significant energy savings.

In addition to using a smart thermostat, it is important to pay attention to the location of your thermostat. To work efficiently, your home’s thermostat should be on an interior wall away from direct sunlight, doorways, skylights, and windows. If your thermostat is poorly located, it may be worth relocating it to increase efficiency.

Tip #3: Use Ceiling Fans

Consider turning on ceiling fans in occupied rooms during the summer months. Turning ceiling fans on in a counterclockwise direction creates a gentle breeze on the skin referred to as a “wind chill”. This will help you feel cooler without having to lower the temperature on the thermostat. By running a ceiling fan, you can raise the thermostat setting by about 4 degrees without compromising your comfort level.

Tip #4: Cover Your Windows

In general, about 30% of a home’s heating or cooling energy is lost through windows. The best way to prevent heat in your home caused by sunlight is to install solar screens, mesh screens, or window films on the outside of your windows. In addition to external window protection, window treatments including curtains, blinds, and solar window shades go a long way in keeping rooms cooler, so your AC doesn’t have to work as hard.

Tip #5: Seal Leaks

Air duct leaks can lead to a plethora of issues including energy loss, inconsistent temperatures, poor air quality, and increased utility bills. It is important to make sure that your ducts don’t have any leaks or cracks. You should contact an HVAC professional if you recognize extensive damage to your air ducts or if you have leaks in hard-to-reach areas. In addition to air duct leaks, you should do a visual inspection inside and outside of your home for gaps, cracks, and openings where air can come and go. These gaps and cracks should be sealed to promote system and home efficiency.

Tip #6: Open the Windows at Night

Once the sun goes down and the air begins to cool, it may be worth shutting off the air conditioner for the evening and opening the windows. As cool air enters the home from outside overnight, it will displace the warmer air in the home by pushing it upward. Opening the windows on the first and second floors allows air to flow through the entire home and keeps it cool.

Tip #7: Avoid Cooking Inside

You may think that your air conditioner is only under heavy strain on hot days, but it can be forced to do more work when you create heat too. Using major appliances like the stove or oven creates additional heat in your home that the AC must combat to keep your space cool. It is best to consider only using your stove or oven at night or when the temperature is cooler so that your AC doesn’t have to work overtime to cool your home.

Tip #8: Service Your AC Regularly

One of the most important tips to save money on air conditioning costs is investing in regular maintenance. AC maintenance, such as replacing air filters, checking refrigerant levels, and adjusting or cleaning major components, ensures that your system operates at maximum efficiency. By maintaining optimal system performance, your air conditioning unit consumes less energy which results in much lower utility bills.

Contact Calfo Home Services Today!

Keeping your home cool doesn’t have to come at the expense of skyrocketing energy costs. By following the simple tips highlighted in this article you can significantly reduce your cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. Small changes in how you manage your AC system can lead to substantial savings over time, all while keeping your home energy efficient and comfortable. Contact Calfo Home Services, your air conditioner installation, repair, and maintenance experts for advice on your home comfort system today!