With summer in full swing, your home cooling equipment is getting used more than ever. The increase in air conditioning likely also comes with a spike in utility bills. The HVAC service guide below offers tips for cutting these costs while keeping your home comfortable. 

How Can I Reduce My Air Conditioning Bills?

1. Moderate Your Thermostat

When you’re at home, keeping the thermostat at the recommended 78 degrees can earn you significant savings compared to if you consistently set it lower. You can further reduce expenditures by setting the temperature higher when you are going to be away from home.

A smart thermostat that can be controlled from your phone can help you achieve this; you can pre-program it to give the AC a rest while you are at work and then turn up the cooling around when you are expected back.

2. Use a Ceiling Fan 

When moving counterclockwise, ceiling fans efficiently push AC-cooled air downward so that you feel its effects more. This makes for a more comfortable living space, while also allowing you to rely less on your AC equipment. If you don’t currently have ceiling fans, consider installing one or two in your home. 

3. Prevent Air Loss

Many homeowners lose cooled air through their windows and doors, which often have small cracks and gaps that allow air to escape. However, by applying weatherstripping to doors and caulking obvious gaps in window seals, you can stop this transfer. 

4. Block Out the Sun

Sun streaming through your windows in the middle of the day can increase indoor temperatures. This will make your AC work even harder to cool your home. Therefore, utilize blinds or shades to stop sunlight from piercing your living spaces. If you want curtains instead, look for lighter shades to reflect the sun’s rays as opposed to absorbing them. 

To make an even greater difference in your utility bills, upgrade to a more energy-efficient air conditioner. The HVAC service team at Reinke's Heating Air Conditioning & Electrical in Lincoln, NE, can suggest a system to keep you cool all summer long without driving up your energy costs. They also offer essential AC maintenance, which extends the life span of your equipment and increases its energy efficiency. Take advantage of more than five decades of experience by calling (308) 234-3003 today. You can also learn more about their HVAC services online.