In exchange for the bright and sunny days that summer brings to us is the need to combat the unbearable weather conditions. This dilemma is easily resolved by turning on our AC unit at home or investing in air condition installation to provide comfort to the family.
However, it is also the time when we can see a significant spike in our energy bills. Here are proven tips and tricks to manage and save a substantial amount of money on our energy bills in the summer.
Set the ideal temperature in the thermostat
Your AC thermostat setting plays a huge role in budgeting your energy cost this summer. Generally, the ideal thermostat setting during hot days is 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but depending on your family’s comfort, this setting may change. Just keep in mind that 4 to 8 percent savings in cooling costs are possible for every increase of degree in the thermostat.
Utilize a programmable thermostat
The thermostat is the control system of your AC. Without it, nothing will signal the unit to perform the way it should be. On the other hand, a programmable thermostat is an automatic device that keeps your cooling habits. You can program your AC when to operate or not. In this way, the wasted energy consumptions will be minimized.
Choose Energy Star Appliances
Energy Star appliances offer energy-efficient options to consumers. It passed the strict guidelines of the U.S government to reduce greenhouse emissions and avoid unnecessary energy waste. You may save 15 percent in energy usage compared to non-certified models of air conditioning installation.
Check your house insulation
The number one cause of cold air leakage is due to poor insulation at home. Make sure to inspect the windows, doors, and other parts of the house that are prone to cracks and openings. Weather-stripping and caulking are some of the most common yet inexpensive ways to cure this problem. Through proper house insulation, you can maximize the functionality of your air conditioner installation unit making it energy-efficient at the same time.
Lower your water heating costs
18 percent of the residential energy consumption comes from water heating. It is recommended to set your water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. The lower the setting, the more energy and money it can conserve.
Clear the air conditioning vents and units
A clogged and dirty air conditioning unit tends to be inefficient since it needs to work doubly hard to cool the area. Regular replacement of your AC’s filter will lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent.
Make use of your ceiling fan
Using a ceiling fan while the AC is turned on creates a cooler room temperature by four degrees. That said, you may lower the thermostat setting and save on energy bills without compromising your family’s comfort.
Take advantage of natural ventilation
When the sun sets and a cool breeze becomes possible, you may take advantage of this natural ventilation by turning off the AC and opening the windows to let the cool air come inside of the house.
Block direct sunlight with blinds and drapes
Window treatments and coverings don’t just add up to the aesthetic interior of the house but also lower energy consumption. Blinds and drapes are great options for window treatments. It helps reduce the heat gain by 33 to 45 percent.
Conduct a regular preventive maintenance
Performing regular maintenance once a year is very crucial to achieve the air conditioning unit’s optimal efficiency. That’s why it is essential to hire professional HVAC contractors to conduct maintenance and other services like air conditioning installation.
Contact Tri-City Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. at 970-669-1772 and 970-493-0126 for any professional HVAC services.
