Ways to Save Money on Your Air Conditioning Bill
Remember living in that amazing brownstone apartment in St. Paul or that trendy condo in Minneapolis? You may have loved so many of its charming features, but the one thing you found miserable was the lack of air conditioning.
You probably tried to lug an old A/C window unit up three flights of stairs to keep your apartment cool, but it only kept one room comfortable with everywhere else sweltering. You swore you’d never live in a space without A/C ever again.
We get it. In the brutal heat of summer, air conditioning isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity for everyone. However, once you have that perfect home with an air conditioning system installed, you’ve run into another problem: The cost of running your A/C can skyrocket without proper management.
Fear not! The helpful team at Ideal Air has several effective strategies you can implement to cool your home more efficiently and save money on your air conditioning bills.
Cost-Saving Tips When Using Your Air Conditioner
Now that you thankfully have a whole-house central air conditioner, you might be skeptical about using it because it can cost an arm and a leg to run. But you don’t have to rack up those huge energy costs to keep your house cool.
With a little A/C maintenance, TLC, and a smart approach to using your A/C, you’ll discover cost-saving comfort. Here are some tips that allow you to feel comfortable in your home without breaking the bank.
Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
Set your thermostat to higher temperatures when you're away or asleep, and program it to lower temperatures when you're at home. A smart thermostat can learn your preferences and adjust the cooling accordingly, optimizing energy usage.
Raise the Thermostat Setting
Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature. Even a small increase can lead to significant energy savings.
Change Air Filters Regularly
Clean or replace air filters every 1-3 months to ensure proper airflow and energy efficiency of your air conditioning system.
Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Schedule annual maintenance for your air conditioning system to keep it running at peak efficiency and catch any potential issues early.
Consider Zoning
If possible, invest in a zoned cooling system that allows you to cool only the occupied areas of your home, reducing energy waste.
Use Energy-Efficient Cooling Equipment
If your air conditioner is old and inefficient, consider upgrading to an Energy Star-rated model that consumes less energy.
Home Improvement Tricks to Help Your A/C Run More Efficiently
There’s more to staying cool in your home than just good air conditioner management. Some of those same tricks you used when you had no A/C can still work even when you do, and they can really add up in savings!
Keep Doors & Windows Closed
Make sure doors and windows are closed when the air conditioner is running to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.
Use Fans Wisely
Utilize ceiling fans or portable fans to enhance air circulation and create a wind-chill effect, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
Seal Air Leaks
Inspect your home for drafts and air leaks around windows, doors, and ducts. Seal these gaps with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent cool air from leaking out and warm air from entering.
Insulate Your Home
Properly insulate your home's walls, attic, and floors to maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduce the workload on your air conditioner.
Close Curtains & Blinds
Close curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day to block out direct sunlight and reduce heat gain.
Use Appliances Wisely
Avoid using heat-producing appliances like ovens and stoves during the hottest hours of the day. Opt for outdoor grilling or use a microwave instead.
Utilize Nighttime Cooling
Take advantage of cooler nighttime temperatures by opening windows and allowing fresh air to cool your home naturally.
Plant Shade Trees
Strategically plant shade trees around your home to block direct sunlight from hitting windows and the roof, reducing heat gain.
Participate in Energy-Saving Programs
Check if your utility company offers energy-saving programs or incentives, such as time-of-use rates or peak demand reduction programs.
Enjoy Ideal Air Conditioning With Ideal Air
With whole-home A/C and a little care on your part, you can truly enjoy your home year-round! For any moment when you’re not feeling the cool comfort of a high-functioning A/C or ductless system, let the experts at Ideal Air take a look.
Our over 20 years of HVAC repair and installation service have made us a leader in the Twin Cities for all types of A/C issues. Join our maintenance program for regular A/C inspections and cleanings, and rely on us for timely repairs.
Schedule a checkup for your air conditioning system today, and beat the heat all summer long!