With the first day of summer rapidly approaching and the heating season already under way, now is the time to find ways to efficiently keep cool at home. Beating the heat doesn’t just mean staying comfortable; it means not letting the weather strain your budget. Follow these three tips to keep your whole family cool without breaking the bank:
Precise Control
It’s obvious, but it’s still worth saying: The longer your air conditioner is running, the more power it will use. A simple way to cut your energy usage is to set your thermostat as high as you can comfortably stand; for most people, that’s between 76 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, every degree of difference in thermostat settings can have a big impact on your power usage.
Of course, keeping your home in the upper 70s doesn’t seem like a great way to beat the heat. You can compensate by using a ceiling fan to complement your air conditioner. Fans create a cool breeze that makes the air feel cooler on your skin, improving comfort without wasting energy. In fact, a ceiling fan actually cuts your air conditioner’s energy usage by breaking up the hot air that accumulates at the top of the room.
To save even more without sacrificing an iota of comfort, consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat. Program the thermostat to run your air conditioner at a hotter setting when you leave in the morning and to turn it back down just a few minutes before you return in the afternoon. Time it right, and you’ll never know the difference except when you look at your utility bill.
Insulation
We may think of insulation primarily as a way to keep heat in, but it’s also pretty good at keeping heat out. A well-insulated home is an efficient home, and by taking some of the load off your air conditioner, insulation makes it easier to stay cool even on very hot days. Remember that insulating your home will help you save money and live more comfortably during the heating season, as well.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
Like most machines, air conditioners require somewhat frequent maintenance to keep running at optimum efficiency and effectiveness. One easy way to help your AC keep you cool is to change or clean the air filter every month. If you have a reusable filter, remember to let it air dry completely before putting it back in the unit. If your air conditioner takes disposable filters, buy your replacements from a factory authorized dealer to make sure they fit your system. In either case, don’t let the air conditioner run without a filter.
Good home maintenance goes a long way, but to really beat the summer heat, you need to have your air conditioner professionally maintained. We at Ray’s HVAC will be happy to help. Our technicians will come to your home and carefully inspect your unit for issues, improving its efficiency today and saving you even more on repairs tomorrow.
