Are you ready to reduce your utility bill spending?
What do you do to spend less on utilities during the cooling season? During the summer, your air conditioner has to work hard to keep your home as cool as possible. And this year, if the temperatures stay the course, your air conditioner will have to work extra hard to keep your home comfortable. We have become accustomed to temperature controlled homes, but that doesn’t mean we are happy with the number on the electric bill at the end of the month.
The best way to reduce spending and improve efficiency is upgrading your old equipment. But, if that is just not in the cards, there are other things that you can do to your old equipment that can help you shave some dollars off that electric bill.
Try turning up the thermostat a few degrees. Small adjustments on your thermostat will have a negligible impact on comfort, but can make a difference on your cooling bill. The optimal thermostat setting during the summer is 78F, according to the Department of Energy.
Keep your filter fresh. Nothing kills efficiency quite like a dirty air filter. Make sure you are changing your filter AT LEAST once a season. For some homes, (like the homes of allergy sufferers and pet owners), it may be necessary to change your furnace filter once a month.
Invest in a programmable thermostat. You may not be able to invest in an entirely new HVAC system, but you can have a contractor come out and upgrade your thermostat. Programmable thermostats are just that – programmable. They give you the ability to set temperatures based on your schedule so you aren’t wasting cooling dollars on an empty home.
Variable-speed air distribution equipment. Next time you do go to replace either your air handler or furnace, consider your variable-speed options. Variable-speed equipment improves home comfort (through consistent, variable-speed air distribution) more efficiently than having your thermostat set to the “on” fan setting.
Keeping your windows and doors closed, and investing in weather stripping. Air leaks can negatively impact home comfort and increase the amount you spend cooling your home. Your air conditioner must work harder to keep your home cool if that cool air is constantly escaping outdoors. If you have to open the window, make sure you do it briefly.
Shading the south side of your home. The sun shining into your south-facing rooms can heat things up and make it harder for your air conditioner to keep up. Consider planting a tree that blocks sunlight, or invest in blinds and curtains that you can use for hot, sunny days.
Scheduling a clean and check during the spring. This is the single most important efficiency lifesaver. During a clean and check, your contractor will make sure that everything in your cooling system functioning properly in addition to cleaning the unit to ensure premium performance and maximum airflow.
Have you scheduled your spring clean and check yet? Don’t worry! There’s still time. Just make sure you take some time to find the right contractor for the job. Make sure they have all the proper licenses and permits, and they come out to your home before they give you a quote.
Have you tried some of these tricks before? Have you noticed a reduction in your cooling expenses?