22 Apr Easy Ways You Can Reduce Your AC Costs This Summer
Summer is quickly approaching, and that means your AC unit is about to be put to use once again. Many people do not look forward to the increased costs associated with cooling their homes in the summer. Luckily, there are a few ways to lower your utility expenses and improve your AC unit’s efficiency. Discover five easy ways you can reduce your AC costs this summer.
Utilize Fans
Turning on a ceiling fan or standing fan helps air circulate and can make your room feel cooler without adjusting the thermostat. Additionally, running a ceiling fan is a more cost-effective way to stay cool during those scorching summer days. You could even set your thermostat at a slightly higher temperature than normal without feeling uncomfortably warm as long as you keep a fan running.
Cover Your Windows
Did you know that opening your windows and window coverings can potentially heat your home during the summer? When you have a window directly facing the sun, its heat transfers through the glass and warms up the room. The easiest way to prevent the sunlight from coming in is to close your blinds or curtains. Another solution is to place window film over the glass to block UV rays from passing through.
Program Your Thermostat
Installing a smart or programmable thermostat is an easy way to reduce your AC costs this summer. These thermostats allow homeowners to set their homes to different temperatures at certain times of the day to save energy. You can even adjust some smart thermostats remotely, which is beneficial when you want to change the temperature while away from home.
If you are unable to program your thermostat to adjust accordingly throughout the day, there are other energy-efficient practices you can follow. For instance, setting your thermostat one or two degrees higher than normal will still keep the house comfortable while giving your AC unit a break when no one is home.
Check Your Home’s Insulation
A home without proper insulation will release precious cold air during the summer, making your AC unit work harder than necessary. Consider hiring a contractor to examine and repair areas in your house that may be allowing cool air to escape; this includes sealing gaps around windows and doorways, and adding insulation in areas that are lacking. Fixing any insulation issues can save you money and potentially add value to your home.
Schedule Expert Maintenance
Homeowners should get their AC units serviced by professionals at least once a year. A specialist will examine the entire HVAC system for routine preventative maintenance and to check that the system is as efficient as possible. These professionals could even handle air duct restoration and cleaning, preventing strain on your AC unit and saving you money on your energy bills.
If you are looking to improve your AC system’s energy efficiency and lower your energy consumption this summer, contact Duct Squads today. We help homeowners in Oklahoma maintain and repair their HVAC systems for optimal performance.