It’s the height of summer, which means you are probably at peak AC usage for the year. But while it’s inevitable that your cooling expenses will rise somewhat during the summertime, the hot weather doesn’t mean you have to settle for skyrocketing energy bills. Keep reading to learn the top five ways to save money on air conditioning costs this summer, courtesy of our experienced HVAC techs at Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, LLC.
5 Reliable Ways to Reduce Your AC Costs This Summer
- Let Your AC Run All Day: While it may sound counterintuitive, letting your air conditioning system run all day, even when you are gone, can actually save you money in the long run. When you get home to a warm house after a long hot day and instantly crank your AC down as low as it can go, your system has to work harder to cool your whole home faster. And the harder your system has to work, the higher your cooling bills will be. Instead, it’s best to let your air conditioner run at a stable temperature when you leave for work. That way, your system will not have to overexert itself, and you will be able to enjoy cool temperatures the minute you step through the door.
- Turn Your Thermostat Up: Again, we understand this may sound like the exact opposite of what you should do, yet turning your thermostat up during summertime is a trusted method for achieving reasonable cooling costs. By raising your thermostat temperature above the usual 72 degrees, your air conditioner will not have to work as hard and you will be able to maintain stable temperatures throughout your home. Generally, somewhere in the range of 78 degrees is perfect. This method is particularly effective if you are gone all day, and implemented with our advice from above. It’s also easier than ever to find the ideal thermostat temperature when you install a wireless, smart home thermostat. These thermostats can be controlled remotely through wi-fi, and you can access them from your tablet or your phone, meaning you can raise or lower the temperature even when you are out of the house. Also, today’s smart thermostats come with learning technology, meaning they will automatically adjust based on your home comfort preferences.
- Seal in Cool Air: Every year, homeowners lose a ton of money to air loss. As your cool air seeps out of cracks and holes throughout your house, your system will have to work harder to compensate, so you essentially end up paying more money for less comfort. That’s why it is a good idea to seal up cracks and holes as much as possible, caulking gaps and weather-stripping doors and windows. Speaking of windows, you should also draw your blinds when possible, so the sun does not raise the temperature in your home. And in your attic, make sure you have proper insulation, as a poorly insulated attic is one of the top ways to accidentally throw off temperatures in your home.
- Use Ceiling Fans: We’re aware this might sound overly simplistic, but a properly placed ceiling fan can actually have a significant impact on your overall cooling costs. Ceiling fans increase airflow in whatever room they are in, so your air conditioner actually doesn’t have to work as hard when they are running. Plus, you can use your ceiling fan at night or on more temperate days in lieu of your air conditioner, driving energy costs down even further.
- Don’t Hesitate to Call for Service: Ultimately, the most important factor in achieving low energy costs is simply makings sure that your system is functioning properly. At Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, we proudly offer a full range of AC services to guarantee your system runs as efficiently as possible this summer and beyond. With AC maintenance and repairs to catch issues before they spiral out of control, you can increase your air conditioner’s lifespan and help keep your cooling costs stay low for years to come. And if you do need to install a new air conditioner, we can offer you a full range of energy-efficient options, including ductless mini-splits. For fast, reliable AC service, call Premier Indoor Comfort Systems today, and make sure you’re getting the most out of your AC unit this summer.
Premier Indoor Comfort Systems is available by phone at (770) 268-2422, or you can click here to contact us online.