If last summer’s cooling costs were too high, there are several ways to beat the heat while reducing the demands you place on your air conditioner. Baker, Bauer & Fish Cooling & Heating in Cincinnati, OH, encourages consumers to focus on ways to maximize air conditioner efficiency and keep hot air out of the home. To help you lower your energy bills this summer, this AC repair provider explores five simple strategies to keep your home cool.  

5 Ways to Keep Your Cooling Costs Down This Summer

1. Replace Air Filters

When air filters get dirty, ACs must work harder to push cold air into the home. As a result, your cooling system will expend more energy—and take a longer time—to achieve an ideal indoor temperature.  To keep things running efficiently, check your filters every month and replace or clean them as necessary.

2. Draw the Shades

During the day, you may find that it’s more comfortable to draw all the curtains and blinds in your home. These window treatments will block the sunlight—and its heat—from entering the indoor area. If you prefer the summer sunlight and want to keep your shades open, you might instead consider upgrading your windows with an insulated glass that keeps heat out.  

3. Cook Outside

Using the stove or oven introduces unnecessary heat into your home, requiring your air conditioner to work harder to keep the space cool. Rather than having to accommodate for the extra heat, you may be better off cooking outside on a grill.

4. Open Windows at Night   

Once the sun sets, temperatures drop to a more comfortable level. If it’s relatively cool outside at night, you might find that you can give the AC a break and open your windows for some fresh air.

5. Program Your Thermostat  

Keeping the AC on when no one is home can lead to unnecessary energy waste—and high cooling costs. If you are regularly away from home for more than 6 hours, consider programming your thermostat to a higher temperature during this time.  Set it to return to a comfortable temperature shortly before you return. If your thermostat isn’t programmable, consult an AC repair specialist who can install an upgrade that fits your needs.

If you find that your summer energy costs are still too high after following these tips, contact the pros at Baker, Bauer & Fish Cooling & Heating. Offering AC repair services throughout the Greater Cincinnati, OH area, they can make sure your equipment is running efficiently to provide comfortable, cost-effective climate control. If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s cooling system, you can also turn to this team for reliable and affordable air conditioning installation. Visit this cooling and heating contractor online to learn more about their comprehensive services or call (513) 542-2770 to schedule responsive assistance.