Three tips that can decrease air conditioning costs
For most households, climate control accounts for almost half of their energy consumption. Throughout the hotter parts of the year, air conditioning will typically cause your electricity bill to increase significantly. Fortunately, there are a variety of steps that can be taken to reduce these costs and increase the efficiency of cooling your home. Taking steps such as reducing the amount of sunlight that shines into the home, performing regular maintenance on your air conditioner and increasing airflow inside the home can go a long way toward decreasing the cost of air conditioner use.
Perform the regular maintenance on your air conditioner
Routine air conditioner maintenance is not only a smart step toward increasing the lifespan of the air conditioner, but it can also help to increase efficiency and reduce air conditioning costs. At the beginning of every usage season, the homeowner should schedule a routine inspection of their air conditioning unit. This will ensure that everything is in proper working order and that the air conditioner is operating at its highest efficiency. It is also important to check and change the air filters on the air conditioner on a regular basis. A worn out and clogged filter can not only damage the unit, but it will also reduce the efficiency. Most manufacturers recommend that you check and possibly change the filters on your air conditioner once month. Set up an AC Maintenance Inspection with Haley Comfort today!
Reduce the amount of sunlight in the home
The amount of sunlight that shines into your home can be a significant factor when it comes to maintaining a cool temperature for a low cost. Taking steps like keeping you blinds and curtains closed during the day can help to reduce the amount of sunlight that is entering the home. Buying solar screens for your windows and planting trees to provide additional shade can also help to reduce the heat as a result from the sun shining into your home.
Increase the airflow in the home
Improving the airflow in your home can help the cool air circulate and aid in the overall cooling process. The use of ceiling fans can increase the airflow in your home and even increase the comfort level. The use of a fan can also make you feel cooler in general. Taking advantage of the cooling effect that airflow has will allow you to turn the air conditioner 1-2 degrees higher and feel just as comfortable. Installing an attic fan can also help to keep your home at a cooler temperature. Attic fans vent the hot air from the attic which can keep it from contributing to the warming of your home.
With some very easy to achieve steps, a homeowner can work toward significantly decreasing the cost of air conditioning for their home. Along with the steps mentioned above, you can also look into buying an energy efficient air conditioner, improving the insulation in your attic, improving the sealant around your windows and even buying a programmable thermostat. All of these things will help keep your expenses minimal when it comes to keeping your home at a comfortable temperature!