Air conditioning is an essential part of maintaining a comfortable home, but this convenience comes with a cost. Each year, this utility accounts for 12 percent of your total home energy expenditures. If your AC isn’t functioning efficiently, this expense will increase as your system works harder to do its job. Here are three easy ways to keep your bills down.

How to Make Your HVAC Unit Perform Its Best

1. Keep It Clean

Debris in the system blocks airflow and makes the unit work harder. Take a few minutes to go outside and clear away leaves and debris from around the unit. Trim away any shrubbery that’s growing within a few feet of your air conditioner.

Lastly, make sure to change out the air filter once every three months—and even more so if you have pets or a respiratory condition; this task will have the added benefit of improving your indoor air quality.

2. Keep the Heat Out

Avoid using appliances that will warm up the house during the hottest parts of the day, such as the oven or dryer. When your air conditioner detects the warmth, it will turn on to compensate for it. Keep the curtains drawn and the blinds closed during the day to keep the sunshine out. If you enjoy the natural light, consider using solar shades. Finally, make sure all windows and doors are properly sealed with caulk or weather stripping.

3. Upgrade

If your unit is getting near 10-years-old or frequently needs to be repaired, talk to your HVAC contractor about getting a new one. Recent technology has made these systems more capable of cooling the house using less power, meaning that this investment will likely come with long-term savings.

The best way to ensure your air conditioning continues to function efficiently is with regular maintenance by an HVAC professional. If you’re looking for a reliable service, the experts at Johnson’s Heating Air Conditioning & Refrigeration in Calera, OK, are here to help. Visit their website to learn more about their services or call this crew of licensed and certified professionals today at (580) 924-9944 to set an appointment.