The summer season brings with it bright days and lots of fun, but it’s also the time to deal with steamy temperatures. The easiest solution for most people is to turn on their AC to provide comfort for the family indoors and ease those sweaty nights.
However, if you aren’t careful, constantly running the AC can have a negative impact on your energy bills. Maybe you’re running the AC too often, or maybe the thermostat is set incorrectly. Here are some great tips that will help you lower and manage your AC bill as you enjoy a terrific summer.
Do a General Checkup on Your AC or Replace It
You might not have been using your AC much before summer, but you now need it. The first step to lowering your energy bill is to look at the efficiency of your equipment.
You can start by clearing the AC’s filter to ensure that it isn’t clogged. Doing this can save you up to 15% on energy. Regularly changing your filter will also ensure your AC keeps working correctly for extended periods because you’ll probably need to use it throughout the day. With such a simple maintenance exercise, you can avoid expensive AC replacement costs.
Adjust the Thermostat
On summer days, you need to adjust your thermostat to combat the high temperatures. However, your AC doesn’t need to be on full blast in order for you to be comfortable. Even though you may be tempted to set your AC at 72 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, when you set your thermostat above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, it will save 10% to 15% of the energy you’re accustomed to using, and you’ll see those savings in your utility bill.
Another excellent energy-saving solution is upgrading to a smart thermostat. The smart thermostat will help regulate the cooling and heating when you are not around to keep changing the settings manually. It will learn your habits, and sensors are installed so that the thermostat will automatically put itself into power-saving mode when no one is at home.
Additionally, most smart thermostats connect to popular home apps and systems like Alexa, Google Nest, or Apple HomeKit. You can adjust the settings remotely from your device, or you can use voice commands. So, if you live in Orange, CA or the vicinity nearby, get in touch with us at Sano Heating & Air Conditioning. We will give you a list of all the smart thermostats that will help you cool your home as you save on energy bills. Once you find one you like, we can also install it.
Check the Placement of Your Thermostat
The placement of a thermostat on your wall plays a significant role in how well the AC works. For instance, if you put it on a wall next to a window, it will keep kicking on more than it should in the summer because it reads the room as being warmer than it actually is. The same is true if your thermostat is on a wall near a powerful or frequently used appliance such as a dryer, TV, or refrigerator.
Close Your Blinds
During the summer, hot air continuously circulates. If you leave your blinds open, the sun that comes in will heat the air inside the house. On hot or sunny days, it’s best to close your blinds. This will help keep the heat out and offer insulation for your windows, stopping the cold air from escaping.
Spend More Time Outdoors
Summertime is when many people are all about relaxing. There are many ways to spend time outdoors and still get some cool air. You can plan an outdoor activity with your family and enjoy a great time together under some shade or trees at the park. You can also head to the beach or community pool to cool off in the water.
Before you leave, turn off as many appliances as possible, and close the blinds. Every minute that you are not using electricity counts.
Use the Windows to Cool Off at Night
The days may be hot during the summer, but the nights can be cool. This is the best time to save energy. Give your AC a break, and use the windows instead. Open the windows to let in the cool air as hot air escapes. This will significantly save you energy, cutting down your electricity bill. When the day breaks, do the reverse. Close the windows and keep the blinds closed so that you can preserve as much of that cool air as possible.
Consider Your Home’s Insulation
Insulating a house is essential. During any construction or renovation of your home, be sure that your insulation is up to par. When there is poor insulation in the house, the cold air will escape or leak, leaving the residence hot. If you find any openings and cracks, you can use caulking and weather-stripping to resolve them. They are common and quite affordable methods. With proper insulation, you can maximize your AC’s functionality. This will lower your energy consumption and costs.
Use a Ceiling Fan
Most people feel that ceiling fans are outdated, yet they are the most affordable and convenient way to cool your house. Ceiling fans use far less energy than an air conditioner. They are also the best way to cut back on AC needs and save up to 40% on electricity. Fans do not cool the air substantially. However, they pull the heat away from your skin and push it up toward the ceiling, pushing cool air down in turn.
You can use ceiling fans together with the AC. This way, you can still lower your thermostat by a few degrees and maintain a pleasant temperature in the house. When your AC and ceiling fan run simultaneously, the room becomes cooler by several degrees. This will save you money on your energy bills while keeping your family comfortable.
Turn It Off Sometimes
Just because it is summer does not mean that you have to let your AC run 24/7. Try switching it off sometimes, especially when you don’t feel too hot. Ideally, you can let it run a few hours, maybe two or three, and then switch it off. The house will remain cool while you cut your power consumption.
Rely on Your Local Professionals
If you need someone to repair, maintain, or install your AC, don’t hesitate to contact us at Sano Heating & Air Conditioning. For over a decade now, we’ve provided affordable, highly skilled air conditioning services to homeowners in Anaheim and throughout all of Orange County. We offer the same range of heating and indoor air quality services. You can also count on us for duct cleaning, repair, and installation as well as metal fabrication. We’ll perform detailed and efficient work with your best interests in mind. Give us a call today, and let us resolve your AC problems.
