Air conditioners cost U.S. homeowners more than $29 billion each year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Just because summer temperatures are quickly rising doesn’t mean your air conditioning bill should too! We know that you’ll be using your air conditioning system to its full potential these next few months, so here are some tips on how to manage your monthly bill.
Keep the outside of your home cool. Give your house some shade and gain a green thumb by planting trees and other various plants to help soak up the sun. Make sure to plant on the side of your home that gets the most direct sunlight. Reducing the heat on your home can further increase the efficiency of your air conditioning, which will keep your energy costs down.
Use shades, blinds, and screens. To make the inside of your home even cooler, use shades and blinds to block out the heat. If you have curtains, they will provide additional blockage. You can even consider purchasing a solar screen, which can block between 70 to 90 percent of UV rays.
Raise your AC when you leave. Set your air conditioning temperature to 78 degrees when you’re at home. When you leave your house for work or even when you go to sleep at night, let that temperature rise a few degrees. Raising the temperature on your thermostat when your house is vacant can save up to 15% on your bill, according to the Department of Energy.
Use ceiling and floor fans. Buying an inexpensive floor fan can help save you money and keep you prepared if your air conditioning ever breaks down. Moving air can keep you cooler than an AC as it removes sweat and heat from your body more quickly. Combining a fan with air conditioning usage can save on overall energy costs.
Invest in quality maintenance. Your air conditioning’s components require regular maintenance. Having a poorly working air conditioner can actually drive up the cost of your bill, as it emits more energy to stay powered. Call your local air conditioning professionals and set up routine checkups to ensure maximum quality air conditioning and to avoid breakdowns. A professional technician should be able to check for any leaks, airflow, and examine the refrigerant.
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