Looking for tips to lower your electric bill?
When it comes to cooling your home, saving money doesn’t have to mean turning off the air conditioning or settling for discomfort. There are other ways to save while maintaining a comfortable temperature and environment.
Instead of simply turning down the thermostat trying to save a buck, consider maintenance options that improve your system’s efficiency. Efficiency is the key to cutting costs while keeping your home cool and comfortable. Your A/C system is affected by each of its parts, but also by external conditions that can be controlled or adjusted with the intention of running your system more efficiently. When your A/C works harder than necessary, the electric bill spikes.
This season, consider the following four tips to improve your system’s efficiency and help lower your electric bill.
1. Replace Your Air Filter
Your filter must be replaced regularly. If not, it becomes full of debris, and obstructs air flow, inhibiting the system from properly conditioning your home. When this happens, the A/C runs longer at a higher intensity, trying to achieve the set temperature. The filter should be replaced so you have clean air to breathe, but also so your system runs optimally, resulting in lower costs. Depending on the type of filter you use, it may need replacing every month – some filters last as long as a year between changes.
2. Set Temperature Changes Using a Programmable Thermostat
Program your thermostat to automatically reduce the temperature during your work week, which will allow you to save some energy and money. Setting the system much warmer than the 2-3 degrees will not allow it to catch up in the heat of the day when you return from work, and will make the system work harder than maintaining a constant temperature. For additional savings, raise the temperature at night also, before going to bed.
3. Use Insulation and Ventilation
Insulation ensures the conditioned air you’re paying for doesn’t escape from the house, and ventilation improves the efficiency with which the air spreads throughout your home. The attic is a particularly vulnerable place for gaps in your insulation. Proper ventilation helps reduce heat and moisture throughout your home, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Running an exhaust fan when taking a shower to remove the excess moisture reduces the load on your air conditioner and helps you stay more comfortable during the day.
4. Have Your System Maintained by a Professional
Having your system professionally tuned up by a Licensed Air Conditioning Contractor can save you energy and help to reduce the down time if your system needs repairs. Many times a qualified technician can find potential problems before they cause a breakdown that will leave you without cooling in the heat of the summer.
Regular maintenance and preventative care are the best methods for reducing costs long-term, and it doesn’t need to be time consuming or expensive. Negligence can lead to breakdowns or costly replacements. These maintenance tips will help you avoid these unnecessary costs, so you can relax and enjoy the comforts of your home.
To learn more about lowering your cooling bill, consult the experts at CCAC.
Since 1979, CCAC (Constantly Concerned About Customers) has been Corpus Christi’s leading specialist for HVAC, humidity, insulation and other home comfort issues. And just like their name suggests, CCAC always puts their customers first.
For more information, visit CcacAC.com or call (361) 678-2495 for fast, dependable service.
Corpus Christi, TX 78411
(361) 855-3088