How to Lower Your A/C Bill This Summer
Having an air conditioning installation completed in your home can be an essential part of staying comfortable during the warmer months. But if you are finding that your bills are higher than what you would like, there are some ways to help negate this to create less impact each billing cycle.
Here are some suggestions to help balance being comfortable and keeping your cooling costs manageable.
Stay on Top of Air Conditioning Maintenance
When it comes to keeping your unit in the best condition possible, it's essential to ensure that you are getting regular A/C maintenance. This should be done yearly to help the system function at maximum efficiency by inspecting items like condenser coils and replacing filters.
Check Your Weather Seals
Several areas of your home may have caulking or seal around the windows, and this can be a primary area where cold air can escape. If you find any are damaged, replace them with high-quality weather stripping because this can help contribute to a lower bill.
Upgrade Your Windows
If your home has old or outdated windows, they will be more prone to having issues like drafts. Having as many energy-efficient items in your home will make a difference, and even with the cost of installing new windows, it can make up for itself over time with lower bills.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
Having a programmable thermostat installed can be set to specific temperatures and can help save up to 10% with small adjustments of even 7 to 10 degrees. Another option is to purchase a smart thermostat designed to learn your comfort patterns and then adjust the home according to the data.
Reduce Indoor Cooking
If you consider running the oven or your stovetop for an extended period to cook a meal, this will also heat your home. Cooking outside as much as possible can help reduce the time that your A/C will be running, so consider this with your meal preparation.
Keep Spaces Insulated
The last recommendation in this list is to ensure that areas like your crawlspace, walls, and attic are also properly insulated. Cool air can leak through these just as easily as windows or doors, so you want to make sure that they have the appropriate insulation to help reduce the amount of cool air escaping from your home.
Invest in a Ceiling Fan
Not every situation will require cranking your air conditioner up, so for days with milder weather, a ceiling fan can reduce the internal temperature by up to four degrees. Energy Star offers models with an energy efficiency increase of 40% compared to other options.
And it's recommended to place the fans on the home's upper level to help with ventilation because this can lower the overall internal temperature.
Use Window Covers
If you don't already have them, consider investing in heavy-duty curtains or shades because these can reduce or block the heat coming into your home. Blackout curtains that come in a thicker fabric are the best choice, but any shade or curtain style will do to keep your unit running optimally all summer long!
Increase the Temperature
Most of the money spent on air conditioning comes from cranking the unit up; however, this can get pricey in the hotter months. Another way to combat this is by setting the thermostat to the highest temperature you can tolerate, leaving it programmed while you are away from home, and keeping it from kicking in until you get home.
Choose Smart A/C Services for Exceptional Technicians
Your air conditioning unit is an essential part of your home, and cutting down on monthly costs can be highly beneficial, so if you require repair or inspection, Smart A/C Services is here to help!
We are a locally trusted company that specializes in HVAC services ranging from heating to indoor air quality, and we’re proud to have many five-star reviews from happy customers in the Stafford, Texas, area.
Your home's comfort level is our priority, so contact us online or call us at 832-439-0758 today!