With summer just around the corner, your air conditioning use is about to go up – if it hasn’t already. As the hotter months draw closer, now’s a great time to read up on how to keep your air conditioning costs down when the heat goes up!
5 Air Conditioning Cost-Saving Tips
Running your AC isn’t free, and no one knows that better than you. In addition to the direct impact on your energy bill, your overall AC costs can increase when you take into account its need for maintenance and repair over time.
Here are a few ways you can reduce what costs to run your air conditioning unit.
1. Add More Shade Around Your Property
Inside and out, think of places where the sun hits your property the most during summer and consider adding features that can help you create shade. The less chance the sun has to heat up your home, the less your AC has to run.
Get creative! Everything from purpose-built outdoor shades to new window shades and even houseplants can help you block unnecessary sunlight and keep your house cooler!
2. Use Ceiling & Floor Fans
A little air circulation can go a long way when you’re trying to cut down on your electricity bill. Although ceiling and floor fans use electricity, it’s nowhere near the amount that your AC unit requires.
While fans won’t cool the air in your home, you might find that circulation in the rooms you’re going to be in most does the trick. This is because air circulated by fans has a wind chill effect, making it feel a lot cooler even without AC.
3. Invest in a Smart Thermostat
If you have an older thermostat, you can cut down on your long-term AC costs by investing in a smart thermostat. These devices offer more precise control over your AC unit, allowing you to program the temperature in your home throughout the day.
Many smart thermostats also come with a paired smartphone app that allows you to adjust the temperature from almost anywhere. That means you can turn off your AC when you’re away or remotely turn it on and have your home comfortably cool by the time you get home.
4. Schedule Regular AC Maintenance
If you can’t remember the last time someone came out for maintenance on your air conditioning system, it’s been too long. Regular maintenance is not only key to ensuring you get the most out of your AC, but it’s also essential to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.
Inefficient ACs use more electricity and cause more wear and tear to operate. Over time, these can translate into costs you can otherwise avoid by calling an expert out for an inspection.
5. Make Necessary Repairs ASAP
If an inspection of your AC reveals that it needs repair, it’s important to complete that repair as soon as possible. Hesitating to make a repair that seems costly can cause it to deteriorate into a more costly issue that can include the entire replacement of your AC system.
Avoiding these kinds of costs is possible, but only when you get help from an expert HVAC technician. Fortunately, our team at Bay Heating & Air Conditioning has what it takes to thoroughly inspect your AC and make all the repairs necessary to help you reduce its long-term costs.
For more information about our services, send us a message today!