Cooling costs can add up to almost 50 percent of your home energy bill during the warmest months of the year. The good news is that there are things you can do to help reduce your cooling costs other than going without air conditioning. Here are four tips that can help lower your home’s energy bill.
Tip #1 – Change Your Air Filters
During high use, your HVAC filters can quickly become clogged with dust, pet hair, pet dander, pollen, and other contaminants found in the air. Dirty filters impede proper airflow to your system. Frequent changing or cleaning of your HVAC filters will help maintain your unit’s efficiency.
Tip #2 – Raise the Temperature
Energy.gov recommends that you can save as much as 10 percent a year on your cooling costs by increasing the temperature on your thermostat seven to ten hours a day from your normal setting for eight hours a day. At other times, the recommended temperature setting to save energy is 78 degrees when you are home. If that is too warm, you can adjust as needed.
Tip #3 – Get a Programmable Thermostat
With busy lifestyles, it is easy to forget to adjust your air conditioner’s temperature, and this could cost you money. Having a programmable thermostat takes the hassle out of remembering to raise the temperature when you leave the house. A programmable thermostat can automatically have your home cooled by the time you return to your home and adjust the temperature again after you go to sleep.
Tip #4 – Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced Every Year
It is recommended that you have your air conditioner tuned-up every year. Systems that are regularly maintained are more energy-efficient. Call us to schedule your air conditioner tune-up to save money on your energy costs this summer.
