Did you know that around half the energy you use in your home is spent on powering your heating and air conditioning? So, making smart decisions about your HVAC system can have a huge impact on your energy bills and comfort.
Whether you’ve just had a new cooling system installed or it’s something you’re considering, there are lots of ways you can increase its efficiency and keep energy costs firmly in check. In this article, we’ll take a look at the many simple ways you can run your air conditioner economically while still keeping your cool physically and budget-wise.
Try Not to Fiddle With Your Thermostat
If there’s one thing that can push up your cooling costs, it’s constantly fiddling with the thermostat throughout the day. Constantly adjusting the temperature can make your air conditioner work harder and push up your energy bills. Just set it at a nice comfortable temperature in the morning and wait for the room temperature to adjust. Don’t be tempted to open any windows as this can make your air conditioner less efficient. Or, simply consider our next recommendation!
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats have been on the market for a few years now and are gaining more and more popularity with homeowners. Not only do they allow you to have full, automated control of your home’s heating and cooling temperature but they provide insights into your energy use and expenditure. They can even give you control of your HVAC when you’re away from home! There’s so much more to these gadgets than meets the eye. Homes with high cooling bills or that are unoccupied for much of the day could save around $100 a year with a smart thermostat installed.
Go Easy on Closing Your Vents
While you might want to direct more cool air to warmer parts of your home, closing too many vents could impact your system. Also, many people believe that closing off vents can help to reduce cooling bills. However, in doing so you could cause your system to become inefficient and less effective overall.
Rearrange Furniture
It might sound like a silly idea, but rearranging your furniture could help to make the airflow around your home more efficient. For example, if you have a sofa or even curtains that are sitting against a vent, this can obstruct the direct flow of cool air into the room. Moving furniture and giving your vents ample clearance can make an instantly noticeable difference and will stop you from reaching to change the thermostat.
Turn it Off When You’re Not Home
While it’s great to come home to a refreshingly cool home, running your AC while you’re away from home can be costly on your wallet. Instead, invest in a smart thermostat that you can switch on from your mobile phone or tablet half an hour before you get home. Also, keep windows closed and shades down to give your air conditioner the best chance of cooling your home fast.
Arrange For an Annual AC Tune-Up
This is the big one! Your system is only ever as good as its last tune-up. To keep your brand new AC system working efficiently and to prevent repairs from being required, an annual tune-up is the best possible investment. From cleaning coils and the evaporator to checking refrigerant levels and lubricating all moving parts, an AC tune-up will cover every aspect of your unit’s operation. Arranging for maintenance just before the summer kicks in will give you peace of mind that your system will operate at its best and keep you cool on the hottest days. Regular maintenance can also help to prolong the lifespan of your system. That’s great news!
Still Considering a New Air Conditioner?
If your HVAC system is 10 years old or older and is failing to keep your home at a comfortable temperature, it could be time to upgrade. Over time, older systems can start to become less efficient, costing you more in energy and repair costs. We’d be delighted to tell you more about our Energy Star systems and how they can help you to maintain the perfect temperature, save you money on your cooling bills, and put you in total control of your home comfort. We can also arrange regular tune-ups to keep your new AC system operating at its best. Call our team today to find out more!
