Summer is just around the corner, and you know what that means: time to get that air conditioner up and running again. Yet if you’re not careful, increased AC use can cause your energy bills to spiral out of control. Fortunately, our Richmond HVAC pros are here to make sure that doesn’t happen. Keep reading for the top ways to save on your AC bill this summer, and contact Blazer Heating, Air, and Plumbing for AC repair, installation, and more.
7 Simple Tips to Save on Your AC Bill for Summer
- Consider Installing an Automatic Thermostat: Experts agree that to cut down on energy usage and reduce electric bill costs, it’s best to turn off your HVAC system when you are away from home. For times you’re at work or on vacation this summer, you should consider conserving energy by installing an automatic thermostat. Automatic, smart thermostats learn your habits, and will keep the house cooler when you’re in it and warmer when you’re away all on their own. This not only simplifies things for you, it can also save a lot of money. Make sure to install your programmable thermostat away from your television or computer or other technology that emits heat, however, as this can cause it to function under the assumption your home is hotter than it actually is.
- Consider Installing a Ceiling Fan: Ceiling fans present an easy way to stay cool without spending much money in your electric bills. Put one in your living room or bedroom, or any other place you intend to spend a lot of time this summer, and simply turn it off whenever you leave the room to save energy. Try to also purchase a fan that is energy efficient if possible, and will not cost you a lot in electricity.
- Open Windows at Night Rather Than Running the AC: We understand that in certain areas, it remains very humid at night, and for people who don’t live on the ground floor, heat often becomes trapped inside their space during the day, making it very warm in the evening. However, if you are able to, consider turning your AC unit off as the temperature drops and it gets dark out, then opening the windows to let in the natural cool air from outside. Then, in the morning, quickly shut the windows right away to trap that cool air for as long as possible.
- Cover Windows to Keep Hot Air Out: As the sun shines on your windows all day, they can let a lot of heat in during the summer. By installing mini-blinds or curtains to reflect the sun’s rays, you can keep a lot of that heat out, and ensure your AC won’t have to work as hard.
- Seal Windows & Doors to Keep Cold Air In: More cool air escapes from your home than you realize. That’s why you should always make sure your windows and doors are protected against air leaks with weather stripping and caulking, especially when summer rolls around. If your home is filled with older windows and you are spending a lot on energy costs in your electric bills year after year, you may also want to just bite the bullet and pay to have those leaky windows replaced.
- Clean Out Vents & Duct Work: Cleaning out your ducts, either professionally or on your own, can help your AC work a lot better, in addition to improving indoor air quality. Regularly vacuuming can go along way towards making sure your ductwork and vents are free from dust and debris as well. You should also make sure your registers aren’t blocked by furniture or other household objects, thus preventing cool air from circulating efficiently around your home.
- If You Can’t Take the Heat, Stay Out of the Kitchen: You know which household appliance you use everyday that can greatly interfere with your air conditioner’s efficiency? Your oven. It may sound obvious, but many of us don’t even think about how when we turn the oven on, we inadvertently heat our kitchen and home beyond normal temperatures, forcing our AC to work a lot harder. This upcoming Memorial Day and for the next few summer months, consider using the microwave or going out for meals, or maybe even fire up the grill—it is summer after all, so why not take advantage of it!
For all the HVAC services you need as well as other helpful tricks on saving on AC bills, trust the Blazer Heating & Air Conditioning difference. To schedule an appointment, call (804) 277-2458 anytime, or contact us online.