Once the chillier winter months have passed, that hot summer weather is typically more than welcome … until your energy bills come back and you see that running your A/C has put a serious dent in your budget! If your cooling bills have been higher than expected so far this year,
the HVAC experts here at Airbusters Heating & Cooling Service have some tips to help you save on the next billing cycle.
Close Your Curtains
On those especially hot and sunny days, closing your curtains can make a big impact on your home’s overall temperature (and your cooling bills). The more sunlight that’s coming in, the warmer your house will be, and your HVAC system will run more often to keep things at a comfortable temperature. By closing them up, you give your appliance a welcome break.
We’re not saying you have to block out sunlight all day, but even keeping your shades drawn on the hottest part of the afternoon can make a difference.
Change Your Air Filter
If your air filter is clogged up with dust and dirt, then it won’t be doing its job as effectively. Not only will your air be more prone to impurities, but your HVAC system will have to work much harder to do an effective job. This leads to higher bills, and it also increases the likelihood of damages and a shorter lifespan for your system.
Air filters are also important for keeping your air clean. This is especially important for homes with infants, elderly people, or anyone with a respiratory issue, like asthma or severe allergies. Most professionals recommend replacing air filters every 1 – 3 months, but how often you change your filter
will depend on your specific household. For example, if you have pets or kids, it might be on the more frequent side.
Run Certain Appliances When its Cooler
Some appliances like the dryer, dishwasher, and stove are known for heating up your space. If you can avoid putting these to use on those warmer days, your air conditioning won’t need to work as hard to cool off your space!
Instead, use your microwave or outdoor grill when possible, stick to salads and sandwiches, and hold off running the dishwasher until the evening when things are cooler. These simple steps could go a long way!
Use Your Ceiling Fans
It’s been shown that you can raise your air conditioning up a few degrees and still feel comfortable if you have your ceiling fan turned on, too. It keeps the air circulating, and it costs a lot less to run than your cooling system.
Just make sure you flip the switch so that it’s running counter-clockwise to ensure you get that nice downdraft. You want your air pushing down, not pulling up like in the winter months.
Cool Off Downstairs
If you’re really trying to keep your air conditioning under control, but your home is getting hotter than you can stand, consider spending time downstairs. Now, we get that not every homeowner has a finished basement or one that’s enjoyable to spend time in, so this may not work for everyone…
But if you do have a nice underground space, it could offer the perfect area to cool down and feel more comfortable. Bring some games, plug in a mini fridge, and set up a toy area for the kids. You’ll be having more fun than ever in no time!
Invest in Professional Maintenance
When it comes to getting more efficiency from your HVAC system (and paying less on those monthly or quarterly bills), regular maintenance and upkeep is key. Here at Airbusters, we have over 15 years of experience working with these appliances, and can address any number of issues, such as noisy units, inconsistent temperature, mildew buildup, thermostat issues, refrigerant leaks, and more.
Your air conditioning system should be examined by an expert at least once per year to note any imperfections or damages. We can ensure everything is running up to par and make sure you’re breathing in the cleanest air possible so that no health problems arise.
Call today to book your next appointment with our team!
Consider a New Appliance
Now, eventually the time comes for every homeowner when a new unit is the only right answer. A well-maintained system can last for close to two decades, but eventually repairs just aren’t going to cut it and a new appliance will be in order.
Fortunately, by trusting in our team, you can rest easy knowing you’re getting the best appliance for your needs! And once our professionals have it installed, you can bet your energy bills won’t be an issue anytime soon.
Need Care Soon?
If you’re looking to resolve heating or cooling issues now, then it’s time to trust in our team. We can also help with indoor air quality, water heater repair and installation, HVAC service plans, inspections, airflow diagnostics, troubleshooting, and more! When it comes to heating, venting, and cooling, there isn’t much we can’t assist you with.
So, let’s get started. Reach out today to ensure your household gets the most comfort possible this summer at the lowest cost to you. We’re here and eager to help with it all!