While air conditioners can be lifesavers in the summer when your home heats up so much that you become sapped of energy, they can be costly to operate and maintain. If you are looking for ways of saving money on your air-conditioning expenses, here are some fantastic ideas.
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Get Quotes from Several HVAC Companies When You Need Repairs
If your air-conditioning unit is not working at full capacity or has any type of problem, your cooling costs will be more expensive. For instance, a dirty or clogged filter blocks airflow and reduces the air conditioner’s efficiency. So, it is important that filters are cleaned or replaced regularly. You should also get your air conditioner regularly serviced to identify whether there are any faults that need repairing. It may cost money to hire a professional service technician. But you will save money in the long run.
Make sure you get quotes from several HVAC companies when you need repairs to find the lowest quote; although it is just as important to find a reputable company that uses an HVAC invoice template to make costs crystal clear upfront.
Install a Whole-house Fan
Adding ceiling fans can cool down your home and lessen the need to use your AC, therefore helping you to save costs. But why put in a couple of ceiling fans when you can install a whole-house fan for a low cost? The fan would be installed in your attic. It works by creating negative pressure by drawing hot air from outside and transforms it into cool air that cools down your whole home. It is easy to install a whole-house fan too, so you will not need to pay out for expensive labor costs.
Plant Trees Around Your House
You may not immediately associate trees with saving money on AC costs, but think about it. When you plant leafy trees around your house, you help to block the sun and keep your house cool; thereby allowing you to not need to power up your AC as often. Most heat that comes into your home comes directly from the sun hitting the roof or windows, so by simply planting trees, you can substantially keep your house cool without having to spend any additional costs later down the line. Furthermore, planting trees is one of the best things you can do to help the environment. After all, trees give us oxygen and support wildlife habitats.
Install Window Screens
Another way of blocking the sun’s heat from entering your home is to use window screens. According to the DOE, when it is hot, 76% of sunlight on windows enters your home in the form of heat, so do not underestimate how powerful window screens can be at cooling your home, and in turn lowering the costs of using your AC. It is best to install window screens on the exterior of your home rather than inside because that stops solar energy before it can get through the glass completely.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are great. They cut down energy usage by adjusting the temperature of your home while you are out or asleep. You can program the thermostat to your temperature preferences. With smart programmable thermostats, you can even adjust the temperature of your home via an app when you are away. By having complete control over your home’s temperature, you can dramatically save money on air-conditioning expenses. In fact, according to the DOE, you can save up to 10% each year by simply adjusting your home’s temperature by between seven and ten degrees for eight hours each day; which programmable thermostats can do automatically.
