Tips to Save With Air Conditioning

No need to panic, there are several actions you can take to help lower the price of heating and cooling your home. The most important step you can take is properly maintaining your AC unit. The easiest way to do this is having an annual maintenance check performed by a licensed technician. If your unit isn’t running properly is could be working too hard, using extra electricity and costing you more money.

There are a number of energy efficient air conditioners on the market including solar powered air conditioners. These units not only save you money but they help save the environment as well, However, a better unit alone will not do as much for your bills as ensuring that the rest of your home is fitted to keep your air from escaping. By combining the proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, weather stripping and thermostat settings, you can reduce your energy bills by up to 50%.

Here are a few general cooling tips for your home:

- Use house fans to circulate the air. If you do not have ceiling fans you can pick up some nice floor fans at any home improvement store.
- Try to set your thermostat as close to the outside temperature as possible without it being uncomfortable. If it’s 90F outside.. we don’t recommend that your AC is set on 65F. Instead try putting your thermostat at 73F and turning the fans on.
- Don’t reduce your thermostat setting to a colder temperature than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. This will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
- Consider ceiling fans to help spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.
- Keep electronics away from your thermostat. The closer heat is to your thermostat the more ineffective it will be at determining the actual house temperature.
- As we mentioned in a previous article, try to shade your outside ac unit with a canopy or other shading. However, do not cover it to close as it needs some room to breathe. The hotter the unit the harder it has to work.
- Use blinds and curtains to keep the heat out on bright, sunny days.
- If your leaving home for a few days, set the thermostat to a temperature that is typically unbearable to you but won’t do damage to your home.