Summer is here again, which means your air conditioner is likely to be in use a lot over the next few months. But while it is unavoidable that your energy bills will rise slightly due to increased AC usage, that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune just to stay cool. Find out the most reliable ways to save on AC costs this summer, courtesy of our expert HVAC techs at West Coast Air Conditioning.
5 Solid Tips to Cut Your Summer Air Conditioning Bills
- Leave the Air Conditioner Running When You Leave Your House: We understand that this advice may sound counterintuitive. After all, you would think that the last thing one would do to cut air conditioning costs would be to let their AC unit run all day. However, when you come home after a long day at work and crank the AC as low as possible, your system actually has to work harder to cool your whole house. This can put a lot of wear and tear on your equipment, and the end result becomes higher AC costs for less comfort. That’s why instead of turning your AC on as soon as you walk through the door, it is better to let it run all day at a stable temperature, so your house will already be comfortable when you get home, and your system will not overexert itself trying to cool your whole house. Remember, the key to effective, energy-efficient HVAC performance is stable temperatures. Speaking of which…
- Turn the Thermostat to a Lower Setting: Again, this is another tip that probably sounds like the opposite of what you would think to do. But although you might assume turning your thermostat down to combat the warm weather would be the smart thing to do, in reality, you should actually be doing just the opposite. Because you’re going to be running your air conditioner more over the next few months regardless, it doesn’t make sense to crank your thermostat down, too. Instead, it is best to keep your thermostat around 72 degrees, or perhaps even lower, if you do keep your AC on when you leave for the day. This will ensure that the temperature in your house is balanced and comfortable at all times, without forcing you to spend extra money unnecessarily. Plus, getting the perfect thermostat setting is now easier than ever with modern, programmable thermostats. Some of the smart thermostats on the market today will even learn your comfort preferences for you, and automatically adjust accordingly!
- Seal Up Cracks & Holes as Much as Possible: Every year, American homeowners waste a ton on cooling costs due to simple air loss throughout their homes. Of course, it’s not possible for you to seal up cracks and holes throughout your home entirely, but doing so wherever you are able to can help lock in temperatures, so your air conditioning system doesn’t have to work as hard. You can start by repairing and caulking any noticeable openings. You should also be weather-stripping doors and windows. Speaking of windows, make sure yours are completely closed, as even small openings can raise AC costs over time (it also doesn’t hurt to close the blinds whenever possible—we all love the sun but too much sunlight in any room can cause your AC to work too hard.) And finally, make sure your insulation is in good shape. For a lot of people, insulation is out of sight, out of mind. But you’d be surprised how damaged the insulation in your roof and various other parts of your house can become thanks to leaks, rodent infestations, and other problems. Proper insulation is a key part of sealing in air, so if your insulation is no longer in good condition, make sure to have it replaced promptly.
- Think About Installing a Ceiling Fan: A ceiling fan may seem like a poor weapon to combat the summer heat at its peak, but you’d be surprised by how much a well-placed ceiling fan can do. When working in tandem with your air conditioner, a ceiling fan can help lower the temperature of any given room, meaning your AC doesn’t have to work as hard. This, of course, means lower cooling bills too, given that the cost of running your AC is significantly greater than the cost of running your ceiling fan. At nights or on more temperate days, you can also save even more by running your ceiling fan in place of your air conditioner. And if that wasn’t enough, a ceiling fan is a great way to brighten up the décor of any room.
- Do Not Hesitate to Call an AC Technician: No one likes having to get their air conditioner fixed, but at West Coast Air Conditioning, we can assure you, the sooner you deal with AC issues, the better. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency service, so you don’t have to worry if your system suddenly breaks down. And in addition to our expert AC repairs, we also provide affordable replacement options, meaning you never have to be without a working cooling system for long. Call now to schedule a free estimate, and experience the West Coast Air Conditioning difference for yourself.
West Coast Air Conditioning is available by phone at (805) 954-9195, or you can click here to request an estimate online.