Share:

With heatwaves hitting the central US, Arkansas residents can expect to keep their air conditioners on for extended periods. While this essential appliance can keep your home at a safe and comfortable temperature, ongoing use can cause you to experience a spike in your energy bills. If you want to control your indoor climate without having to worry about the high cost of cooling, here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow.

Do:

Bump up the thermostat.

Boosting your normal cooling temperature by at least seven degrees for at least eight hours a day is all it takes to cut 10% off your energy costs. If comfortable, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping the thermostat at 78 degrees and raising it a few degrees higher if you’re not home.

Invest in regular maintenance.

If you haven’t had your air conditioner tuned-up yet, now is the time to call a professional for maintenance. Through an in-depth inspection, an AC repair technician can pinpoint and fix mechanical issues that contribute to energy loss. This routine service will also help extend the life of your equipment, helping you save on HVAC replacement costs.

Use ceiling fans.

air conditionerCeiling fans only use a fraction of the energy that an air conditioner needs to operate. When set in a counter-clockwise motion, these fans will blow cool air back down to help maintain the indoor temperature for longer periods.

Don’t:

Let filters stay dirty.

Ideally, you should replace air filters about once every 60 to 90 days. Without performing this maintenance task, contaminants can accumulate on the filter and make it more difficult for cool air to flow through. To compensate for this barrier, the system will have to expend more energy to produce the desired temperatures.

Leave windows open during the day.

If it’s cooler at night, cracking a window might be an effective way to lower the indoor temp. However, leaving them open during the day can lead to excess heat inside the home. It’s also smart to pull the shades, as they will help block heat-producing UV rays.

Turn on big appliances.

While it may not always be avoidable, try not to use heat-generating appliances during the hottest hours of the day. Turning on the oven, running the dishwasher, or doing a load of laundry can introduce more heat into the home, forcing the AC to work harder just to maintain a cool, steady temperature.

 

If battling the heat is burdening your budget, Custom Cooling & Heating has comprehensive solutions to help you save. Offering both routine maintenance and advanced air conditioner repair services in Mountain Home, AR, their technicians will make sure your equipment can provide maximum efficiency. If you’re due for an upgrade, they can also install newer energy-efficient models for a competitive price. Visit this HVAC contractor online to learn more about these services or call (870) 425-9498 to request prompt assistance from a friendly specialist.

tracking