Ways to Save on AC/ HVAC Costs During the Summer
McCrea Heating and Air Conditioning
Doing things right the first time, every time. That's the McCREA Way. Schedule today: https://bit.ly/McCreabooknow
We love our AC and we need it, especially on warmer days. However, we never like getting the bill to run the AC every month. The cost of summer energy can be quite shocking! Running your air conditioner during the summer doesn’t have to deplete your savings, though. If you are interested in keeping it cool while decreasing expenses, you have come to the right place!
Here are some tips you can use to help offset costs while using your AC this summer.
1. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans sometimes get forgotten once the air conditioner has been turned on because people think that the air moving from the vents will be enough. On those stuffy days, turn your thermostat up a few degrees and turn your ceiling fan on to circulate the cool air that is coming through your vents. The moving air will help keep the air moving and your body much cooler. Don’t forget to switch so that the ceiling fan is rotating counterclockwise for the warm air to move away and cool air to come towards you. Your HVAC unit and your pocketbook will thank you!
2. Adjust the Thermostat at Night
Temperatures drop at night which means your air conditioner temperature can come closer to matching the outside temperature without doing as much work. Turn your thermostat up a few degrees, or program this to happen with your smart thermostat, and give your AC a break. You’ll sleep cool and comfortably because of the temperature and also knowing that you are saving energy and money.
3. Be Smart About Curtains and Blinds
The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Some houses are built to capture the light and face east or west. However, with light comes heat. While the extra light is great, the heat is an unwelcome summer guest. If this is how your house is designed, you will definitely want to use curtains and blinds to help block out the light and heat during peak times of the day. They can also provide some insulation so the air temperature remains cooler, especially if your thermostat is in a room that faces the sun.
4. Adapt to a New Temperature
If you really are interested in saving money, adapt a bit to get used to a higher temperature. The average thermostat is kept at 72. Adapt to a higher temperature, even one degree at a time, to?stay cool and save on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Keeping your thermostat at the highest temperature that you can tolerate will have more of an impact than you may realize!
5. Check then Vents
Cooled air needs to be able to flow freely. If the air vents are blocked by furniture or rugs then it may take more effort for the unit to cool that room.
Have a basement? Close the vents there so that more air is able to reach the upstairs. Hot air rises and cooler air sinks, so the basement will be naturally cooler anyway. Closing the basement vents will force cool air from the air conditioner to go upstairs first. You can also spend more time in the basement or downstairs area during the heat of the day rather than adjusting the thermostat.
6. Keep your AC Running on Hot, Humid Days
It may seem like a good idea to turn your air conditioner off when you leave. Sometimes this is okay. However, on hot, humid days your AC would have to work twice as hard to cool your house in the evening in order for you to gain comfort. Consider increasing the temperature by a few degrees while you’re gone and then returning the temperature to where you are most comfortable when you return. (See tip #9 for ways to do this more easily!)
7. Filters
Air filters are designed to trap allergens, dust, and particles so prevent them from entering your home. Over time, these cause the filter to become dirty and clogged, if not changed regularly. As a good rule of thumb, air filters should be changed every 1 to 3 months, depending on the number of pets and people in your home as well as the conditions of the area where you live. This simple routine can prolong the life of your HVAC unit by 5-15%!
领英推荐
8. Schedule Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance on your HVAC unit is the best way to avoid the need for emergency repair and also helps to prolong the lifespan of your unit. When your unit is running and in great condition, it will run well. If you are using an HVAC unit that is in good condition and in need of service, the chances of it failing are pretty significant and very uncomfortable and inconvenient!
9. Smart Thermostats
There are a lot of energy savings and bonuses with using a smart program. Smart thermostats are able to adjust the temperature from anywhere because they are Wi-Fi enabled devices and can automatically make adjustments to the temperature settings. Some have even earned the Energy Star label as they have been proven to provide energy savings of up to 8%.
?
10. Replace Old Units
The average air conditioner will last for 15-20 years when well cared for. After this, they become less energy efficient and will more than likely begin to increase your utility bills. Maintenance will become more expensive as well as parts become more obsolete. These expenses begin to add up. If your HVAC unit is getting old, consider looking for a new unit that is an Energy Star endorsed unit and an SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating of 14.5 or higher, the higher the rating, the more the savings.
?
Another thing to consider is where the air conditioner is installed. The best location has shade so that the unit is working in the coolest location possible, enough space to dispose of heat as well as condensation, and has clear space around it that is free from debris, vegetation, shrubs, and trees so that air can flow more freely.
?
A Few Other Suggestions…
●?????Consider insulting your home and sealing cracks as these allow air to flow in and out of your home making it difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature.
●?????Upgrade windows if they are getting older. 25-35% of heat is transferred from windows. Energy-efficient windows will block heat and help save money.
●?????Use solar screens to provide shade on your windows. These polyester weave screens can block up to 70% of the heat.
●?????Choose a light color of paint for the outside of your home to reduce the amount of heat that is attracted.
●?????Use LED light bulbs because they emit less heat.
?
McCrea Heating and Air Conditioning Services can help you prepare for the summer season. Whether you need a simple inspection or a full-service overhaul, we’ve got you covered with:
?
We’ll help identify repair needs early and optimize your unit for maximum efficiency in no time.
Our family owned business has been serving the Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania areas for 84 years. We are A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and receive 5 star ratings from our customers. We are proud to also offer fair pricing.
Contact us to schedule a preventative and maintenance visit. We look forward to working to keep your family cool!