How To Save Energy With Your Air Conditioning This Summer
I remember growing up my dad didn’t want to put the air conditioning on until the last possible second. He hated seeing the energy bills every month during the summer. As an adult, I can totally relate to him. With the HVAC technology we have today, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your comfort just to save a few bucks. There are some simple and effective ways to save money with your air conditioning this summer.
I have been servicing and repairing air conditioning systems for over 10 years, and I hear from homeowners all the time about their AC costing them more than the past, and there are a few reasons for that. Maybe the air conditioning system is old and losing efficiency. In other cases they haven’t had the system serviced in years.
No matter what the case, there are ways, some simple and cheap, some more complicated and expensive, to lower your energy bills. In this article, I’ll tell you a little more about how you can keep your air conditioning bills under control.
How Do You Know Your AC Is Using Too Much Energy?
It’s natural for an air conditioner to drive your energy bills up. So how can you tell your AC is using too much energy? Clearly, the most obvious way to know if something is up with your system using too much energy is by looking at the energy bill.
For one, your energy bill usually comes with a few pieces of data that show you your usage breakdown compared to yourself last year, as well as your neighbors. You can see how you stack up when it comes to energy use. Sometimes, the previous year is tough to gauge, due to changes in the weather. I prefer to look at my usage compared to those around me.
If your energy bills spike in a strange way you don’t remember in years past, it could also be a sign that your system is overworking itself. This is also the case if your home just never gets cool, but the AC constantly runs. Now there are certain AC systems that are supposed to run constantly, but if the home isn’t getting cool enough, you should call in a professional.
Ways To Save Energy On Your AC
There are ways to save money when it comes to your air conditioning. Some of these are simple things you can do on your own. Others are a bit more expensive and involve hiring professionals.
Scheduling Routine Service
This is a simple step, but likely the most important when it comes to saving money on your air conditioning bills. With a routine AC service, the technician makes sure everything is working properly, and gets ahead of any kind of parts or components that may need to be replaced. This routine maintenance will help your system work efficiently, and lengthen the life of your AC system.
We recommend having your AC system serviced at least once a year, preferably before the summer. This will help keep your system running efficiently, and also keep your warranty in tact!
Changing Your Air Filter
Changing your air filter is an easy step you can perform on your own, and should once every few months. Your air filter catches any particles and debris that pass through your HVAC system. After running the system for a few weeks, the particles will build up and clog the filter.
If your HVAC filter is clogged, it will prevent proper air flow, forcing the air conditioner to work harder to deliver the air. It also makes the air in your home dirtier. We recommend having a few filters on hand so you can change them regularly. This will keep the air flow happening as it should, and your air cleaner and healthier to breathe.
Use A Programmable Or Smart Thermostat
An upgraded thermostat can help you save between 5% and 30% on your energy use. Programmable and smart thermostats are designed to adjust themselves as needed, and save as much energy as possible in the process.
These thermostats can be programmed to keep the home the way you like it during certain hours, and then adjust for when you aren’t home, or when you are sleeping. Installing a smart thermostat will cost you money to install, but should pay for itself in the long run.
Seal The Leaks Around Windows And Doors
If your home is leaking cool air, it’s going to cause your AC to work harder to compensate for the lost air. Air can be lost in the vents, out of windows, and under doors. Installing weather stripping, or using sealant to make sure the leaks are prevented is an easy way to stop energy loss.
We recommend you have a home energy assessment and see where you are losing energy. This is going to help you fix the energy issues, and make the home more comfortable!
Close Your Blinds
Here is a REALLY easy one. Closing your blinds to prevent the sun from entering is a perfect way to keep the place cooler. This goes especially for rooms you aren’t using. Sunlight naturally warms a space, and if your home is warmer, it’s going to take more energy for your AC to keep it cool. We all love some natural light in the house, but limiting it will help you keep the space cooler and the energy bills down!
Add Shade To Your Home
This is one that is a little more complicated. If your home faces the sun, it’s going to warm the home up. Adding trees to your property, or bushes around the house may provide a bit of shade, keeping the space cooler, and adding a nice aesthetic to the outside of your home.
Obviously, this can become a potentially involved and expensive project, and one that isn’t feasible for everyone. But, if you have the space and the means, it may be a nice way to beautify and cool your home at the same time!
Upgrade Your HVAC System
This is likely one of the most expensive, but also effective ways to keep the energy bills down. If you have an air conditioner that is 10+ years old, or has had lots of repairs performed on it, it could be time to replace it. The requirements for minimum SEER, the rating system for how efficient your AC is, has also gone up in recent years. A new energy efficient HVAC system will lower your energy bills, and improve the comfort of your home.