Keeping your home cool and comfortable through a hot Ohio summer takes considerable energy. Air conditioning systems use about 6% of all the electricity in the U.S. every year, with a total annual cost of $29 billion. Fortunately, there are a few easy, inexpensive ways to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioning unit without sacrificing the comfort of your home.

How to Reduce Your AC Expenses This Summer

1. Change the Filters

The air filter keeps pollen, dust, and other debris out of your air conditioning unit and purifies your indoor air. A clogged filter restricts airflow through the system, forcing your AC to work harder and severely straining vital equipment. In addition to contributing to wear-and-tear, dirty filters also make the entire system less efficient. Checking and changing the filter once a month will maximize the life span of your equipment and reduce your utility bills.

2. Block Direct Sunlight

Natural light can brighten up rooms during the winter, but in the summer it heats interior spaces and forces your AC to run longer. Hanging heavy curtains on windows that get direct sunlight will keep ultraviolet (UV) rays out and can help cool the air inside the house. Additionally, you will protect your furniture and floors from fading, which will save you money on replacements in the future.

3. Install a Smart Thermostat

Today’s thermostats are fully programmable, with functions that allow you to avoid cooling the house when no one is home. Turning up the temperature a few degrees during the day can save hundreds of dollars over a year, and the programmable schedule ensures the house will always be comfortable when you get home.

Whether you need emergency repairs or a new air conditioning unit, the experts at Echols Heating & Air-Conditioning Inc., in Coventry Township, OH, have over 100 years of combined experience serving homes and businesses throughout Akron and the surrounding area. They work with only the most reliable equipment in the industry and pride themselves on delivering exceptional service with 24-hour availability. Visit their website for more information on their wide range of services, or call (234) 248-2777 to request emergency repairs today.