As essential as it is to have an air conditioner in the summer, the cost of this comfort isn’t always affordable. Fortunately, there are several ways you can help your HVAC system work less and cut your cooling costs. To start, you should invest in air conditioning repairs early in the season to ensure the equipment runs as efficiently as possible. Once it’s in good shape, you can follow these five additional steps to keep your AC usage affordable.

What Are Some Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill This Summer?

1. Keep Debris Out of the Ducts

Dirt, dust, and debris inside ductwork can force an HVAC system to work harder when pushing cool air through the ventilation, resulting in higher energy use. To ensure efficient air movement, make sure to change the filters at least once every 90 days. Before summer arrives, it also helps to invest in professional duct cleaning.  

2. Program the Thermostat

Constantly adjusting the thermostat will put extra demand on your air conditioner. Programmable thermostats can help prevent the problems by allowing you to schedule the times your AC runs—and what the average temperature should be. According to the EPA, setting your temperature back by about seven degrees for eight hours—such as when you’re away at work—can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 10%.  

3. Pull Down the Blinds   

As much as you may want to enjoy the summer sun from your home, the heat from the sunlight can raise the indoor temperature. When this happens, your cooling system will have to run longer to maintain the desired temperature. In addition to wasting energy, these patterns can cause wear and increase the need for air conditioning repairs. You can take the pressure off by drawing your blinds or curtains to block out the sun.

4. Cook Outdoors

When ovens and stoves emit extra heat, they place more demand on the cooling system. You should opt for cooler meals such as fresh salads or sandwiches during the day. And, if you want to cook, consider using a grill outside to keep the heat out of the kitchen.

5. Move the Air Around  

When ceiling fans move in a counter-clockwise direction, they help circulate cool air throughout the home. This movement can keep your home cooler for longer so that the HVAC system doesn’t have to power on as often.

Keeping your cooling costs down this summer doesn’t have to be complicated when you have support from Cowboy’s Heating & Air. Serving the Greater Cincinnati and the Miami Valley region in Ohio, this cooling and heating contractor will provide complete maintenance services and air conditioning repairs to ensure your system is ready to run efficiently. If you need an upgrade, this team can also install energy-efficient AC replacements—including geothermal systems. Visit this local AC contractor online to learn more about these services or call (937) 604-1541 to request service.