If you live in a warmer climate or the summer weather in your region is often hot and humid, finding ways to lower AC costs in the summer is extremely important. While many choose to brave the heat or leave the house warm during the summer to combat a higher electricity bill, there are several ways to keep your home cool while lowering energy costs.
Whether you choose a programmable thermostat that allows for personalized cooling in areas of your home or use curtains to keep out the sun during the warmer parts of the day, good cooling decisions can help you save money on your AC bill. Here are four ways to save money in the summer on your AC.
1. Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a thermostat you can adjust using your phone, tablet, computer or any device connected to the internet that uses Wi-Fi. Some of the perks of using a smart thermostat include its programming capabilities.
You can generally adjust a smart thermostat any time using your device or program it to change the temperature on a schedule. Some thermostats may link up with your other smart home devices, making it easy to use voice commands to adjust rooms to desired temperatures.
Most smart thermostats come with room sensors to detect hot and cold spots in your house. These sensors allow the thermostat to adjust temperatures and cool specific areas of your living spaces. The best thermostats are programmed to learn your daily schedule and determine the best time to turn on the AC to save money.
Some smart thermostats can detect an issue with your HVAC system or provide details about your unit’s energy consumption.
When programming your smart thermostat, a good rule of thumb is to keep the temperature in your house as high as possible during the summer months. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends maintaining a higher temperature and raising the temperature even more when you aren’t at home. Doing so can be one of the most cost-effective ways to cool a house during the summer.
To get the most out of your AC unit, place your smart thermostat on a centralized wall away from vents or windows and ensure you don’t block your vents with furniture.
2. Take Advantage of Shade
If you are wondering how to save money on AC costs long term, consider using shading both inside and outside your home to block solar light and prevent heat build-up. Shading can come in many forms, including blackout curtains and blinds and natural outdoor shades like vines, trees or shrubbery. Take inventory of your home and decide if your windows could use extra shades or if you could add more trees to your yard.
Shading Outside the Home
Taking advantage of your yard’s natural plant life can be a great way to save money on AC in the summer. If your home has no trees or bushes, consider planting trees around your house to provide more shade and block out sunlight during the day. Planting foliage is a cost-effective and long-term solution to energy efficiency. Trees can lower the temperature of their shaded area by as much as 25 degrees.
Be sure you plant the right kinds of trees according to your region and climate. Deciduous trees block solar heat in the summer but let it through in the winter, while dense evergreens or shrubs are perfect for continuous shade all year round. If you live in a hot climate, utilize native plants that are drought-resistant and adapt well to warm weather.
Shading Inside the Home
Another way to utilize shade inside your home is to close your blinds and curtains during the warmest parts of the day. Sunlight can increase room temperature, so closing curtains can help reduce the heat and make the most of your air conditioning unit. Shades with a white or light-colored back will help reflect the sunlight, and blackout shades will block even more light.
3. Upgrade Your Windows
If you own an older house, cracks from windows or doors may be letting hot air leak into the home. If you notice hot or cold drafts from under the windows or your air conditioner does nothing to cool the room, it may be time to upgrade your windows. Installing energy-efficient windows to replace the old uninsulated ones will help you save money and reduce your energy usage.
Many homeowners consider caulking or weather-stripping to seal their windows and make the most of their air conditioner without wasting air. Some older windows may not have insulation, and replacing your windows may be necessary to ensure that your house remains energy efficient.
Consider having a maintenance company do an energy audit on your house to discover where there may be unseen cracks or drafts in your windows or walls. Yearly check-ups can tell you how to lower your AC costs and provide information on how much energy your air conditioner uses.
4. Service Your AC
Remember to service your AC unit regularly. Scheduling preventative AC maintenance with a professional helps fix problems before they start. You can also take steps on your own to clean your air conditioner.
Clean or replace the AC filter every two months. Filters help clean the air inside your home and allow for good air movement.
You’ll also want to clear the dirt and dust out of the coils in the evaporator and condenser that collect debris over time. Clean these coils and keep the area surrounding the outside of the unit free of any bushes or obstructions to prevent damage.
When in doubt, hire a professional to check your AC unit, seal leaks and fix damaged coils. A maintenance company can:
- Measure airflow through the evaporator coil
- Oil the motors
- Apply protective coatings
- Check the belts for wear
- Check your thermostat for workability
Well-trained professionals can install the proper refrigerant, ensuring the unit doesn’t leak while testing the repair for efficiency. They can replace the refrigerant without harming the environment or causing further leakage.
If your AC unit’s fan often wears out, have a technician check the electric connection and search for any corroded wires or faulty contacts.
EAC Provides Reliable AC Maintenance and Repairs
EAC is dedicated to providing quality work and excellent customer care for residents and companies of southern South Carolina. With over 30 years of experience, our trained technicians are ready to give you peace of mind with our trustworthy maintenance and specialized work. EAC can help you lower your energy costs in the long run. We’re a trusted HVAC contractor in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Okatie and the surrounding areas, so you can rely on EAC Heating & Air to provide reliable products and services for your residential or commercial needs.
Reach out and request a quote or contact us online. Call 843-681-3999 and talk with us about your AC repair needs today.