Saving on Cooling Costs
It can be alarming getting that first energy bill after using your AC each year. Although advancements in technology have allowed newer systems to be much more energy-efficient, air conditioners are still major energy consumers.
There are many strategies, some more effective than others, that can help save money over the summer while still keeping you comfortable.
Preventative Maintenance
One of the most effective ways to cut down on energy is to improve the efficiency of your air conditioning system.
Have you changed or cleaned your air filters recently? Dirty filters are a common culprit of reduced efficiency. When dust and debris collect in the filter, it gets clogged and hinders airflow. This makes your air conditioner work harder, costing you more money in energy costs.
While you’re cleaning your air filters, wipe down your outside unit as well (after you’ve turned it off) and clear out any debris that may be blocking airflow. This will also help improve efficiency for your system!
Getting your AC tuned up every season is also crucial for achieving peak performance and efficiency. Not only does a tune-up help your system start the season out at an optimal level, but you’ll prevent sudden issues that could cost you more money to fix down the road.
Behavioral Changes
Some of the techniques for reducing cooling costs have nothing to do with your air conditioning! Reducing heat-related activities will keep your home temperature down, and therefore reduce the need for the AC to constantly run.
If you love cooking, try using the grill as much as you can. Or, use smaller appliances like a slow cooker, toaster oven, or air fryer instead of an oven. Keep your blinds and curtains closed as much as you can, too, since the sun will warm your home very quickly.
In terms of your thermostat, it can be difficult to know what the best temperature is. Whatever you have on now, try turning it up a few degrees. If it gets a bit stuffy, use some fans to make it feel cooler. Fans won’t change the temperature, but the movement of air will certainly make you feel better.
Structural Changes
If you’re looking to improve your air conditioning efficiency, you can’t go wrong with upgrading to a new unit. Every year, the latest models improve on years past in all aspects — efficiency, performance, noise, and lifespan.
If your AC is over 10 years old, you are probably wasting money on an inefficient system. Plus, around this time is when units start to fail, and you don’t want to be stuck without an AC if something goes wrong.
Another way to reduce your air conditioning costs is by switching over to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats take the guesswork and manual labor out of managing your thermostat. If you’re still working with an analog thermostat, it can be hard to get an exact and accurate temperature reading. Therefore, you’re likely to program the temperature to be lower than needed, which will cost you more.
A smart thermostat is a digital thermostat that you can control from your smartphone or internet-connected device. The gadget will learn your habits and adjust the temperature accordingly. You can also program the device to raise or lower the temperature when you leave for work every day. These automatic settings help your home remain at a precise temperature and reduce your cooling costs.
Industry-Leading Air Conditioning Repair & Replacement
Hobson AC is a family-run business that is here to help keep you cool all summer. Whether you want to upgrade your AC or switch to a smart thermostat, our team is on your side. Contact us today at 817-809-9688 to learn more and make an appointment.
