It can be expensive for Arizona homeowners to keep their properties cool throughout the summer. However, you can lower power bills without sacrificing your family’s comfort. From calling your air conditioning contractor to practicing energy-efficient habits, little steps can make a significant difference for your wallet. Here are a few tips to minimize AC costs this season

How to Cut Air Conditioning Costs

1. Keep Up With Maintenance

If the AC unit is old or needs repairs, it can drive up cooling costs. Schedule annual maintenance with a reliable air conditioning contractor before summer arrives to ensure it’s running at maximum efficiency. They’ll perform any necessary repairs or recommend a more energy-efficient model if you’re due for a replacement.

2. Turn Up the Thermostat

Arizonans often need respite from the sweltering heat of summer, but you can get away with turning down the thermostat once in a while. Consider setting it at a higher temperature while you’re asleep or away from home. You can save money by adjusting the thermostat 2- 6 degrees for 8 hours a day.

3. Cover the Windows

During the summer, most of the heat in your home comes from the windows. About 76% of the sunlight that shines through the glass becomes heat.

Window coverings like curtains, shades, glass films, and blinds can prevent solar heat from entering throughout the day. Look for treatments specially designed to block and reflect sunlight.

4. Avoid Generating Heat

Many household appliances are major heat producers. During the hottest days of the year, try to hold off on using the stove, oven, clothes dryer, or dishwasher. Instead, cook food in the microwave, grill outside, hang-dry laundry, and hand-wash dishes. You could also wait until the temperature drops at night to engage in these activities.

Take cooler daytime showers to avoid producing steam. Cutting down on heat-generating appliances will give the air conditioner a break and lower monthly bills.

5. Turn on Some Fans

Stagnant warm air can make the house feel even hotter. To get the air in your home circulating, run fans in rooms that people are using. Ceiling fans disperse cool air efficiently, and you’ll be able to turn up the thermostat a few degrees without getting uncomfortable.

If you’re looking for energy-saving solutions for your AC this summer, contact the experts at All American Air Conditioning of Lake Havasu City, AZ. Since 1971, this air conditioning contractor has built a reputation of reliable customer service and quality workmanship. Their team provides professional HVAC inspections, maintenance, repairs, and installations, and has the experience to work with any brand and model. Call (928) 855-4549 or fill out a request form online to receive a service estimate.