Summer is here! While it has felt like summer for a while, this week marks the official start. Seek shelter from the sizzling heat in the comfort of your air conditioner without feeling guilty about the cost by using these 4 simple tips that will save money on your energy bill this summer!
The Atlanta heat can be brutal. With recent heat waves being above 90 degrees and reaching well over what feels like 100 degrees, escaping the heat is essential to staying comfortable.
Fortunately, we live in a world where we can take advantage of air conditioning. Many of us can’t imagine living without this modern convenience that has transformed into a necessity.
Using your air conditioner is ideal for comfort but can come at a hefty cost during the hottest parts of the year. Follow these 4 simple tips to make sure you don’t sabotage your cooling system’s efficiency so that you can save money on your energy bills this summer!
1. Operate your thermostat efficiently.
HVAC equipment continues to become more advanced and evolves with the rapid advancements in modern technology. In addition to more efficient systems, thermostats are available in programmable models that can control the temperature in your home in a way that coincides with your daily schedule.
As a basic strategy to saving money during the hottest months of the year, set your thermostat to the highest temperature that keeps you comfortable. Every degree makes a noticeable difference on your energy bill!
A common misconception with your home’s cooling system is lowering the temperature of your system to a colder setting than necessary when you turn on the air conditioner in hopes of cooling your home as fast as possible. Doing this will not cool your home any more quickly, and forgetting about the colder setting results in excess cooling, ultimately driving up your energy bill.
2. Avoid heat buildup during the day.
When the outside temperature soars, try to refrain from doing indoor activities that generate a lot of heat. Some of the most common activities that produce the most heat are cooking in the oven, using a dishwasher, operating a clothes dryer, and showering.
Other sources of heat that are more passive and less obvious are televisions, computers, and other electronic devices. Additionally, open curtains and open areas that get direct sunlight are a big source of heat.
Prevent heat from building up in your home by doing alternatives to the heat-generating activities, such as washing dishes by hand or hanging clothes on a clothesline. Another option is to wait to do these activities after dark when temperatures drop. Finally, powering down your electronic devices that aren’t in use conserves electricity and keeps your AC from working on overdrive.
3. Keep cold air in and hot air out.
While this may seem obvious, the actual ways in which cold seeps out and heat creeps in often are elusive. Leaky ductwork is the most common culprit for losing cold air from your home. Cracks in windows and doors can allow warm air to seep in.
Leaks in the ductwork can really sabotage your home’s cooling potential. According to Aeroseal®, an industry leader in duct-sealing technology, approximately 30 percent of the average home’s HVAC energy is lost through leaks in the ductwork. Cracks in doors and windows, no matter how small, can introduce a lot of external heat into your home.
Duct-sealing services will ensure that the cool air produced by your cooling system stays inside your home. Sealing cracks in windows and doors with caulk or weatherstripping keeps the heat out. Both can make a significant difference in your monthly energy costs.
4. Maintain your cooling system.
The importance of regular maintenance for your cooling system cannot be overstated. Like other complex machines, your air conditioner has many small, intricate parts that accumulate wear and tear over time. This leads to system inefficiency and can cause a major breakdown.
By choosing to care for your cooling system with maintenance, you reap immediate and long-term benefits. Increased efficiency is better for your bank account and the environment, and the peace of mind that comes with a looked-after system is relaxing and comforting.
TemperaturePro North Atlanta offers Total Comfort® Maintenance Plans that discover, address, and correct problems with your air conditioner as they occur. Our air conditioning maintenance experts are knowledgeable, professional, and courteous. Consider choosing a Total Comfort® maintenance plan today!
Keep It Cool with TemperaturePro North Atlanta
As your local HVAC experts, we’re here to assist you through every step of owning your air conditioner, heat pump, or other cooling unit. We want to help you save money and keep your family cool in this blazing heat!
Ultimately, we’re here to help. We offer specials to reduce the hefty costs that can be associated with HVAC products and services. Do your part in keeping your home cool at an affordable cost; consider taking advantage of our AC tune-up special today!
