With the warmer summer months quickly approaching, it’s important to start thinking ahead about how to save money on air-conditioning costs while still making sure your home stays cool and comfortable. Air conditioning bills can add up quickly when used for extended periods during the summer, but luckily there are cheap and easy ways to make sure your electric bill stays in check. Here are five ways to save money on your air conditioning bill this summer.
We live in the era of “smart” technology, and for good reason. Smart thermostats that can be connected to an app on your phone provide you with superior control over your energy use and can help you save on your air conditioning bills in multiple ways.
Smart thermostats allow you to set up specific times and temperatures to make sure your air conditioning is only being used when necessary. They can detect when you’re away from home and can automatically turn the system off, reducing energy usage and saving you money. On top of this, their built-in energy tracking capabilities allow you to monitor your energy costs in real time and make any necessary adjustments, giving you full control of your air conditioning bill.
If temperatures are bearable enough, it might not be necessary to have the air conditioner on full blast. By strategically placing fans throughout a room, you can more effectively circulate the air and keep the space adequately cooled.
Ceiling fans are also a great way to save money on your air conditioning bill and help cool a room without having to turn on the air conditioning. Additionally, look for fans that have an energy-efficient rating as they use significantly less energy than standard fans.
Instead of relying solely on your air conditioning system, try to use natural cooling methods as much as possible. This means opening windows to let in cool air during the evenings and blocking out the heat with blackout curtains during the day.
There are also things that you can do outside of your home to better regulate the temperature inside. For instance, you can invest in awnings or reflective film to reduce the amount of sunlight coming in. Planting trees and shrubs around your house to provide shade can also help cool the house naturally.
If you don’t use all of the rooms in your house on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to close them off and not cool them when using your air conditioning system. This will help reduce the amount of cool air that is being used and can have a significant impact on your energy bill. Make sure to not only close the doors but also close the vents to any rooms that you don’t use regularly.
The type of air conditioner you choose can also affect how much electricity it consumes and how much you’ll pay in air conditioner bills. For maximum efficiency, consider investing in an energy-efficient model. The first step is to look for one with the ENERGY STAR® certification. You can also check the EER and SEER ratings which are measurements of a unit’s energy efficiency. Higher numbers mean greater efficiency.
When it comes to air conditioning systems, regular maintenance is key to making sure that it stays running as efficiently as possible. Air conditioning units need to be serviced every year to make sure that all the components are still running properly. When this isn’t done, the unit can start to run inefficiently and you can end up having to spend more money on your energy bill. Investing in regular maintenance can help avoid costly repairs and ensure that your unit is running as efficiently as possible.
Overall, there are plenty of simple and cost-effective ways to save money on your air conditioning bill this summer. By taking the time to keep your system serviced, clean, and efficient, you can make sure your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible and save money on your cooling costs.
Do you live in the Harrisburg area? If you need to schedule maintenance for your air conditioner or are considering upgrading to a more energy-efficient model, give WM Buffington a call! We have over 70 years of experience servicing and installing air conditioners – let us know how we can help!
