March 14, 2018

It’s almost time to turn off the heat and start thinking about keeping your home cool this summer.

As the cold weather starts to warm up a little, residents in some regions of the country are beginning to feel a decrease in monthly heating costs. However, experienced homeowners know that there is usually a trade-off between energy costs. When the heating costs go down, the cooling costs start to increase. If you are looking for a way to minimize your air-conditioning bill this spring and summer, these are some great ways to conserve both your finances and your energy efficiency.

There is a fine line to balance in reducing your energy costs. You want to be comfortable and not turn things down so low that you end up being miserable. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort to save on your air-conditioning bill.

If Your Air-Conditioning Unit Is from Before 1990, Consider Replacing It

If you have an air-conditioning unit that is older, you might be reluctant to spend the initial money to replace it – but you will definitely make up for it quickly. New energy-efficient air-conditioning units are up to 50% more efficient than previous models. Although you may think the upfront cost is hard to stomach, buying a new unit is the best way to go for overall savings.

Have Your Ductwork Inspected

If you haven’t had your air ducts cleaned, it is imperative that you do so, to remove any dirt and debris that may be limiting the airflow. It is also a good idea to have your ductwork inspected by an HVAC professional to ensure that you don’t have any leaks in the system.

Consider a Remote Thermostat

New remote-smart thermostats are a very small investment to make in order to help increase the energy efficiency of your home. They’re basically one step above the programmable versions; you can turn them up or down according to your schedule and the temperature outside, instead of just programming them for when you aren’t home.

Replace Your Air Filters

To reduce your air-conditioning bill, make sure to replace your air filters frequently. If your air filters are caked with dust, it limits the airflow around your house. That not only makes your air conditioner work harder and cost you more money, but it also puts more wear and tear on your unit and ages it more quickly.

Throw Some “Shade” on Your Air-Conditioning Unit

If your air-conditioning unit is sitting out in the sun baking without any shelter, not only is it creating more work for it – which taxes it – but it is possible for things to fall on top of the unit and to alter its ability to function. Make sure to provide shelter for your unit. If you treat it right, it will return the favor.