Air conditioning is by far the biggest energy consumer in a modern home. When the weather gets hotter during the summer, you find yourself constantly adjusting your thermostat to accommodate the rising temperatures.
However, while the AC works tirelessly to keep you comfortable, the electric bills work harder to drain your pockets.
Are you tired of this and do not want to spend a fortune on your electricity bill, continue reading to find out tips given by AC repair services providers that will help you know how to save money on air conditioning.
How Do You Save Money on Air Conditioning?
Have you ever noticed that your electric bills go up a few times during summer?
For example, if your normal energy bill is $100, you can get a slap on the face with a $500 bill on a hot summer month.
According to federal energy forecasts, this is very normal. In fact, the biggest chunk of all electricity bills in the United States is from running the AC during the hot summer weather.
So how do you reduce your AC energy consumption while still staying cool and comfortable during summer? Here are some tips.
Consider Using a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat helps you efficiently regulate your cooling system even without you being physically in the house. For example, while you are at work, the thermostat will increase the temperature so that the AC doesn’t have to work so hard to keep the house cool when no one is around.
Smart thermostats are great, especially when you are forgetful – you can program them to change the temperature for you at specific times. Hence even if you forget to adjust it, the thermostat will automatically do the job for you.
Install Fans Instead
Fans are a more economical and energy-effective way to keep cool during hot weather. A fan uses only a fraction of the energy used to run a central air conditioner. Also, you can use fans to compliment the AC.
A single fan in a room is enough to increase the thermostat temperature by about 4 degrees and still achieve the same result. This will help you save about 10% of your energy costs.
Seal Any Opening on Your House
Although you love the outside air and natural lighting flowing into your house, your AC does not like it. Adding black-out curtains and blinds to your windows and doors is a great way to reduce heat from the outside that can make your AC work extra hard to keep the house cool.
Also, covering any cracks, gaps, and openings where air can come and go, will help you avoid cooling the whole neighborhood from your pocket.
It is important to do a thorough inspection of your home for any such leaks. If you are unsure where to start, you can hire a professional energy technician for an energy audit.
Do Regular System Maintenance
Your AC needs more than just installing a smart thermostat – if it is not regularly inspected and maintained, it will most likely push your energy bill to the opposite side of the intended.
For example, a dirty air filter will block the airflow and make your AC work extra hard to keep your home cool.
To maintain an energy-efficient AC, ensure that you clean the system (the condenser coils and evaporator should always be clear of dust and debris) and replace the filters regularly (Recommended frequency is once a month). This can help lower your energy consumption by at least 10% every month.
Additional Ways to Save Money on Air Conditioning Bill
Besides the tips above, here are more tips on saving money when running your AC on a hot summer.
- Avoid things that would cause heat buildup during the day.
- Ensure that there is no furniture blocking the Air conditioner.
- Plant trees around the house to provide extra shade from the scorching sun.
- Consult your electrical company or HVAC repair services Smithtown