Keeping your home cool in the summer heat naturally leads to rising electric bills, so you might be looking for easy ways to make your home more energy-efficient. You can take a variety of measures to reduce the amount of electricity your home uses, including scheduling HVAC maintenance. Below, Wilson Heating & Cooling, an HVAC contractor located in Lexington, KY, shares a guide to help take the burden off your air conditioner and other appliances.

7 Tips for Keeping Your Electric Bill Down 

1. Close Curtains & Blinds

When the afternoon sun starts shining through your westward-facing windows, it might be time to close them up. Use curtains and blinds to block the sun out and keep your home coo, or you can invest in energy-efficient windows for the best results.

2. Turn Off Unused Electronics

It’s easy to leave on electronics like computers or TVs, but they can draw a lot of energy when they stay powered round the clock. Taking the extra time to shut them down will save you money on your electric bill.

3. Use LED Light Bulbs

Switching to LED light bulbs can make a considerable difference in your electric bill, as these bulbs use up to 90% less energy than regular light bulbs without losing their effectiveness. 

4. Clean Dryer Vents

When your dryer’s vents are clogged with lint, the blockage creates a fire hazard and forces your dryer to work much harder and use up more energy. Cleaning the lint trap is a good start, but it’s important to get the ductwork cleaned annually, too.

5. Change Filters

When it comes to running your heating and cooling system efficiently, it’s important to keep your filters fresh and clean. When the filter is clogged up, the system has to work harder to blow cool air into your home, so frequent replacement can help.

6. Keep Unit Clear of Debris

The same principle applies the exterior of your AC unit, which can accumulate layers of dirt, dust, and other outdoor debris, gumming up the system and making it less efficient. Solve this problem by keeping the area around your outside unit clean.

7. Get Annual HVAC Maintenance

Finally, nothing will help lower your energy bill like regular HVAC maintenance. Your HVAC contractors can find ways to streamline your system and keep it functioning at its best. They can also tell you when it’s time to get a new air conditioner installation for the best energy efficiency.

Whether you need HVAC maintenance or installation of a new cooling system, the professionals at Wilson Heating & Cooling can help. For 40 years, they have provided local clients with accessible, expert comfort system maintenance, repair, and installation. To set up your appointment, call them today at (803) 996-3322 or visit their website to learn more.