Once summer arrives, many households rely on air conditioning to provide relief from the heat. However, consistently running the AC can quickly cause your electricity bills to skyrocket. Fortunately, it’s possible to keep your cooling costs manageable without compromising your comfort. Here are some ways to lower your utility spending.

How to Save on Summertime Cooling Expenses

1. Block Out the Sun

Direct sunlight shining through your windows can heat up your living space significantly. In turn, your air conditioner will have to work harder to reach your desired temperature, consuming more energy in the process. One of the easiest steps you can take to avoid this is to block out the sun. Keep your curtains, shades, or blinds closed during the warmest part of the day to intercept harsh UV rays before they enter your home.

2. Seal Leaks

Air leaks will reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner by allowing cool air to escape outside. As such, check around your home for drafty doors and windows and seal them with caulking or weatherstripping. Also, if you have a fireplace, make sure the damper is closed, repair any holes you find in the ductwork, and insulate your attic to optimize your cooling efforts.

3. Install a Programmable Thermostat

If you haven’t already, consider installing a programmable thermostat. This will let you adjust the indoor temperature for different times of the day. You can program it to sit at a higher temperature while you’re away from home, so you’re not paying to cool down an empty house. Then, have it automatically switch to a lower setting before you arrive back home.

4. Schedule a Tune-Up

Keeping up with regular maintenance on your air conditioner is the key to making sure it runs as efficiently as possible. This includes having seasonal tune-ups done by an HVAC expert. They’ll help clean the unit, lubricate its parts, and change the filters. Dirty and worn components will restrict airflow and make the unit run overtime to cool your home. 

5. Upgrade Your AC System

The older your cooling equipment gets, the more inefficient and costly it will become to operate. If your unit is more than ten years old, needs frequent repairs, is unable to distribute air evenly, or cycles on and off constantly, it may be time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model. Installing a new system can save you a great deal in the long run.

 

Whether it’s time to have your AC serviced or replaced, trust Steve’s Plumbing & Heating to perform the job. Their trained technicians are qualified to take care of all your heating and cooling needs and will ensure your HVAC system is running at peak performance for maximum savings. The company proudly fulfills maintenance, repair, and installation requests for homeowners throughout Wood County, WI, and the surrounding areas. Call (715) 421-1800 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online for more information on how they can help you.