Summer is here and it is likely you have been running your air conditioning unit more than a few times this season. Before the start of every season, take the time to ensure your HVAC system is running properly. Regularly scheduled maintenance can help keep your air conditioning unit run efficiently and can even extend the life of your system. The Department of Energy states that almost half of a home’s energy use is from the HVAC system alone. By incorporating a few strategies, you can reduce the amount of energy you spend cooling your home this summer and therefore save money on your electricity bill. Below we highlight ways to save money on your air conditioning bill.
Schedule Maintenance
Keep your HVAC system regularly maintained. Regularly scheduled maintenance keeps your system working efficiently. A professional can clean the outdoor coils, check connections and make sure the refrigerant is at proper charge levels. In between maintenance appointments it is important to keep the area around the outdoor condenser coil clean. Be sure to remove any debris and keep foliage away from the outdoor unit to maintain proper airflow. Most importantly you will want to replace your filter at least once every 3 months. Air filters prevent dust and debris from entering your HVAC system and keep it running smoothly. If the filter is dirty or becomes clogged, the system will work a lot harder than it has to therefore increasing your energy bill.
Seal Leaks
Check doors and windows for any damage or gaps. Poorly sealed windows and doors can allow air to leak out of your home. Take the time to caulk framing to keep more cool air inside your home. Furthermore, if you have old windows, they might not be energy efficient. In the long run, investing in new energy efficient windows can help you save money on energy bills. Keep in mind other parts of your home that may leak air as well. Make sure your home is properly insulated in places such as attics, walls and crawlspaces as well.
Install A Programmable Thermostat
If your home has an older thermostat, an easy update would be to install a programmable or smart thermostat. These thermostats will allow you to set a schedule or change the temperature of your home even while you are away. This will allow you to keep your home cool without wasting hours of energy throughout the day when you are not home. Smart thermostats can even be set up with an app on your phone. Furthermore, by raising the temperature by seven to ten degrees you can save as much as 10% on your energy bill according to the Department of Energy.
Reduce Sunlight In Your Home
Block the sunlight coming into your home throughout the day when the temperature is the highest. You can do this by planting trees outside your windows or by using blackout curtains. By reducing the sunlight in your home you will notice the significant impact it will have on the indoor temperature.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can help you save on your air conditioning bill by circulating cool air. Use the ceiling fans in your home or install them to help increase the energy efficiency of your home. Using a ceiling fan can make a room feel up to 10 degrees cooler and only uses 10 percent of the energy of a central ac unit.
Update Your HVAC System
Although replacing your existing system with a new model comes with a high upfront cost, over time a new system would pay for itself. Not only does a new system come with a new warranty, but newer systems run more efficiently as well. An updated system with a higher SEER and EER can help save you money on your air conditioning bill. If your system was installed close to or over 20 years highly consider upgrading to a new one.
Give us a call today at (818)341-3406 to see how we can help you save money on your air conditioning bill. One easy step you can take today is set up your system for a maintenance visit, or contact us to learn about the maintenance plans we offer. To learn more about services our company offers, please visit our homepage.
