Nobody likes being hot in the summer. Fortunately, we have air conditioning units to keep us nice and cool during the hot and humid Maryland summers. However, constantly running your AC could lead to another unfortunate end: expensive energy bills. Our team of experts have pulled together tips to help you manage energy usage and save money on your AC bill this summer.
1. Leverage Other Cooling Options
This may seem simple, but one of the easiest ways to lower your energy bill is to keep your AC off when possible. This may not be possible when you’re at home in the middle of a hot day, but in the evening and at night, consider turning your air conditioner off and keeping your windows open, or leverage the use of a ceiling fan. At off-peak hours, it should be possible to keep your home cool and comfortable without running your AC at full blast.
2. Make Sure Your Thermostat Is Located Properly & Has An Automatic Setting
Did you know that the location of your thermostat is one of the key factors in determining when your AC or heat runs? Thermostats closer to heat and light sources—like lamps and televisions—are more likely to kick on, due to the sensors in the thermostat. Ensuring that your thermostat is in an area away from these heat sources will keep your AC from turning on as frequently when it’s not needed.
Another key factor in keeping your energy bill down is making sure your AC is only running when your house reaches a certain temperature. This means making sure your thermostat has an “auto” feature. Most standard thermostats have this feature, but modern “smart” thermostats offer more customization and control over when your thermostat comes on.
3. Maintain Your Cooling System
There are many factors that impact the efficiency of your air conditioner. From your duct work to your filters to the condenser coils—there are many reasons your energy bill could be higher than you’d expect. Fortunately, there are experts who can ensure your home’s AC unit is ready for peak usage all summer long. Constellation Home provides duct cleaning services and AC tune-ups which can help ensure your system is operating at peak efficiency.
4. Avoid Heat Buildup
Heat comes from more than just the sun! In fact, common activities like cooking, using the dishwasher, or doing laundry can lead to a heat buildup in your house, causing your AC to run more than you need it to based on the temperature outside. It’s recommended that you do as few of these activities as you can during the peak heat hours of the day. In fact, if you need to cook, maybe it’s time to break out the grill and cook outside.
5. Ensure Your Windows & Doors Are Properly Sealed
One of the main ways your energy bill will go through the roof is if you’re accidentally heating your home as much as the outdoors. One of the main ways you can lose efficiency in your home is by having inefficient doors and windows. Making sure your windows and doors are sealed properly will reduce the amount of energy your home needs to expend to keep it cool.
Schedule An AC Tune-Up Today
Use these tips to help save money on your AC bill. Still have high energy bills in the summer? Then it might be time to schedule a technician to take a look. Make sure your home is protected from costly air conditioning repairs with an AC tune-up today! Schedule online today or enroll in a home service plan.
