Ways to Lower Your AC Costs This Summer

As the sun shines more and you crave the outdoor air, you know that warmer days are ahead! It is a great time to start thinking about summer and keeping your costs down for running your air conditioner while still staying cool and comfortable.

1. Bump it up a little: While a few degrees may not impact the feel of your indoor air, they can really impact your utility bill. Find the optimal temperature that balances comfort and cost. Test out a wide range of temperatures for a few days to see how high you can bump up your thermostat while still enjoying a cool home. Believe it or not, 6 degrees can cost as much as 18 percent more. If you use a programmable thermostat, you can have it higher when you are at work or at night when the sun goes down for more savings.
2. Circulate that cool air: When you are relaxing in a room with a ceiling fan, turn it on to help move along the cool air that your AC is providing to help with comfort. Just make sure to turn off any fans when not in use to avoid spending more money on running the fans.
3. Different activities for different times of day: If you can avoid running appliances that generate heat, you can help keep your home cooler during the day. Cranking up the oven during midday will cause your AC to run more and so can your dishwasher or dryer, especially if it is on the main level of your home.
4. Shut your blinds: A strong midday sun may be good for lighting up your home during the day, but it will also cause the temperature to go up. Close blinds and curtains in rooms that are not in use to help keep the strong sunshine out and coolness in.
5. Keep your system maintained: A yearly maintenance strategy will help keep your AC unit running at its best to help keep costs down too. Make sure you do not block vents throughout your home and that you consistently change your air filter on a regular plan. 
6. Home improvements: If you have been considering some home improvement projects, this can impact your AC bill. Drafty windows or inefficient insulation can impact how much the warm air gets in and cool air gets out. Your home is a whole unit that works together and old parts can impact how other components get their job done.

Connect With Our Team For Help

If you notice a not-so-cool airflow, let a professional check it out to see if your unit needs repairs or a tune-up to help you save costs and sweaty days. If you are ready to install a more energy-efficient model, we can go over your options and assist with air conditioning installation. Reach out to the Van Drunen Heating & Air Conditioning team through our online contact form.