Air conditioning units require a considerable amount of electricity to cool an entire house. For this reason, many homeowners see their electric bill spike during the hottest times of the year. While the increase is natural, there are ways to keep cooling costs to a minimum. Discover what you can do – and just as importantly, what you shouldn’t do – to reduce your electric bills during the summer.

Do:

Keep your air conditioning unit well-maintained.

In addition to changing or cleaning your filter regularly, you should also keep your air conditioning unit in optimal shape by keeping any brush or debris away from your exterior unit. Be sure to schedule preventive maintenance at least once a year. This way, any parts on their way out are repaired or replaced before they cause escalating issues.

Choose the right temperature.

It is tempting to turn the thermostat way down when the outdoor temperature keeps climbing. However, for every degree you raise the heat, you’ll save roughly 3% on your energy bills. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends keeping the thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home, and a few degrees higher while you’re at work to save more energy.

Don’t:

Keep curtains open all day.

The more natural light you allow into your home during the hottest times of the year, the more the indoor temperature will rise. Try to keep your blinds, shades, and curtains closed during the warmest parts of the day, especially for south-facing windows, which tend to get the most sun.

Run heat-generating appliances in the daytime.

Appliances like dishwashers and dryers tend to generate considerable heat when you run them. For this reason, it’s best to run them when its cooler, after the sun has already gone down. You might also experiment with meal ideas which use a slow cooker or grill to prepare instead of requiring you to turn the oven on. 

Newer, well-maintained air conditioning units will deliver the highest level of energy efficiency for homeowners, and help to keep bills down. If you live in Dayton, OH, and you’re due for an AC tuneup or new installation, turn to Tanner Heating & Air Conditioning. This trusted HVAC contractor has served the Montgomery County area for more than 30 years. Explore their full list of services online or call (937) 299-2500 to speak with a team member.