Tips for Saving Money on Air Conditioning This Summer

Saving Money on Air Conditioning

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Air conditioning is a lifesaver as summers get hotter across the country. Approximately 90% of homes within the U.S. include an air conditioning system of some kind, including older homes.

Keeping your air conditioning unit in good condition is key to ensuring efficiency and keeping your energy bills down.

Here is what you need to know about saving money on air conditioning this summer.

Insulate Your Home

Unless your home is brand-new, the chances are much of the cold air from your air conditioning system is leaving your home.

Call in a professional energy auditor from an HVAC company or conduct your own audit by running your hands around your windows and doors. If you can feel the cold air escaping, it is time to caulk the windows and insulate your doors.

Keeping air inside your home is key to saving money this summer.

Turn Your Thermostat Down

Too many homes within the U.S. leave their air conditioning systems running at a low temperature all day. Turning your thermostat down can make a big difference. Alternatively, invest in a smart thermostat.

A smart thermostat will automatically shut off your air conditioning when you reach the desired temperature. There are also settings allowing you to opt for a short, controlled blast of cold air to keep temperatures tolerable.

Close the Blinds

Sometimes it is as simple as closing the blinds. If you allow the sun to shine through your windows during the hottest hours of the day, you are heating your home. This means your air conditioning system must work twice as hard to keep the temperature down.

With 6% of all electricity produced in the U.S. originating from air conditioning systems, closing your blinds could help to contribute to a greener world and lower average household energy bills.

Increase the Temperature

Try to choose the hottest temperature you can comfortably stand. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends aiming for 78 degrees indoors when you are at home.

If you need to go lower, it does not matter. Even the smallest of changes can save a large chunk of change.

Upgrade Your Air Conditioning

Older air conditioning systems typically require more regular repairs and run at a lower level of efficiency. The older an air conditioning system gets, the harder it needs to work to maintain your selected temperature.

The average air conditioning system has a lifespan of between 15 to 20 years. You can extend this by opting for regular maintenance from a qualified professional.

Finally, upgrading now can mean lower energy bills in the long term, so get over the initial price shock and upgrade your worn HVAC unit.

Conclusion

Keeping your energy bills down this summer is all about being aware of the temperature in your home and ensuring the air is not escaping. Additionally, ensure your HVAC unit is in tip-top condition before the summer months arrive so you do not get a nasty surprise when you receive your next energy bill.

Contact an air conditioning professional in your area today to schedule a home air conditioning inspection.