Summer is here and as temperatures increase so does your energy bill.
Of course, you want to keep your house cool and comfortable but you also want to save money on utility bills. Here are a few ways you can save energy and reduce the cost of cooling down your home.
Check your windows
If you own an older home, the cold air inside may be seeping out through your windows. Your air conditioning system will have to work harder to keep your house cool due to gaps and poor sealing around your windows. Caulking leaks or cracks and weather stripping your windows will prevent the cool air from leaking out.
Install a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats can regulate heating and cooling when you’re not at home or when you sleep to save money. You can program them yourself or even find one that adapts to your preferences. Plus, you can adjust the settings remotely using an app on your phone.
Use ceiling fans
Using a ceiling fan to promote better air flow takes some of the burdens off your air conditioning system. According to the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC), at only 10% of the energy consumed by AC you can make a room feel 10° cooler.
Replace your air filters
Your vents use air filters to keep dirt, dust, and other unwanted junk from blowing throughout your home. Your system will have to work harder if the filters are dirty and clogged so they should be replaced monthly or they’ll prevent ideal airflow.
Cooking outdoors
Summer is great for outdoor cooking and grilling a few times a week. Cooking with an oven or stove top can put a strain on your air conditioning system by generating a lot of heat.
Reduce Sunlight
Blocking out sunlight can reduce the temperature in your home. You can plant some shade trees outside your windows or alternatively by shutting curtains, shades or blinds on the sunny side of the house can make a big difference.
Insulate walls and attics
Just like your windows; attics, walls, and crawlspaces leak air as well. Professionally insulating your home is one of the best ways to increase energy efficiency. If you have an older home, this could be worth the investment.
Find the low ground
When it’s hot, the heat will escape through the higher parts of your home so avoid the upper floors as much as possible. At night you can lower the temperature if your bedroom is upstairs.
Service your air conditioning system
Keep your system working efficiently by hiring a local contractor to service your air conditioner. Your contractor should clean the outdoor coils, check voltage connections and check refrigerant is at the proper levels. Learn about our air conditioning preventive maintenance service.
Solar panels
Solar panels use the sun’s energy to power your home which can greatly reduce energy costs. You can either buy or lease solar panels which will affect the price and the amount you save on your bill will depend on your usage as well as your system.
We hope these energy saving tips help you save money this summer!
Air Conditioning Energy Saving Resources
11 Easy Ways to Lower Your Air Conditioning Bill – USA Today
How to Reduce Your Energy Bill with No Cost or Sacrifice – Lifehacker
Then Tips to Reduce Air Conditioning Bills – Clean Organized Family Home
Rules for Paying Less On AC This Summer – CNet
CO2 Smackdown – Low-Cost Cooling – Smarter Living
If you need air conditioning repair, contact AccuMax
Besides professional AC repair services, we also offer an air conditioning maintenance program and HVAC preventive maintenance so you can ensure your heating and cooling are working all year.
AccuMax Inc is a full-service HVAC heating and cooling company providing, repair, installation, and maintenance of air conditioning, central air, furnaces, and more. Located in Aurora, IL, we serve the western suburbs including Naperville, Aurora, Oswego, Batavia, Wheaton, North Aurora, Lombard, Downers Grove, Warrenville, Darien, Westmont, Willowbrook, Clarendon Hills, Westchester, LaGrange, Willow Springs, Lisle, Riverside, Woodridge, Plainfield, Oak Brook, and Hinsdale among others.