One of the most quintessential components of any modern home is the air conditioning. However, HVAC units can often perform less than ideally in the summer months. The last thing you want is for you or your family to suffer from excess heat by not having your AC unit operating at full capacity.
So keep reading — We’ll cover how to reduce air conditioning costs effectively so you can save money and increase comfort.
How To Keep AC Costs Down
Keep Windows And Doors Closed
The first step in knowing how to minimize air conditioning costs is preventing air from getting out. It might be tempting to keep your windows or doors slightly open during the summer.
However, as soon as you turn your air conditioning on, you should close any openings. All this will do is allow the cooled air to escape. That means your air conditioning will ultimately run longer and cost you more money. It will also defeat the purpose of running the AC in the first place.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Does lowering the ac cost more? Yes, it turns out it does. You may have the thermostat below 75 or even 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it's a good idea to keep it around 78 degrees when you're home and a little bit higher when you're away.
If you're sleeping, you can put it as low as 72 degrees. Of course, it's your thermostat, so it's always your choice. But keep in mind that the higher you have your thermostat, the more you're going to pay in utility bills every single year.
Utilize Your Fans
When it comes to how to lower air conditioning costs, fans can come in handy. There's nothing wrong with plugging in an electric fan and letting that run for a little bit while your AC takes a break. This will put less wear and tear on the air conditioning system.
Get Your Windows Treated
This is also a great way to prepare your AC for summer. After all, keeping your bills down isn’t just about the unit itself but making sure the home keeps the cold in. You can get your windows tinted or even put curtains or outdoor shades to prevent sunlight from heating up your home.
Plants And Trees
The more greenery that's surrounding your home, the cooler it will be. It will help absorb heat and even block it from hitting outdoor surfaces.
Insulation
If you have thin or incomplete insulation in the walls of your home, then the cool air is going to escape much more easily.
Heated appliances
This is particularly true for the daytime. Try to avoid using the stove or the oven, especially when it's hot outside. This residual heat will go into the rest of the home and cause the air conditioning system to have to work harder.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
Contact the HVAC experts at Moncrief Heating and Air Conditioning. When you have regular maintenance performed on your AC, it will run smoother, more efficiently, and keep things colder.
Not only does that make you more comfortable, but it also puts money back into your pocket.
Get An AC Upgrade
You may consider installing a new, more energy efficient HVAC system. Every year, manufacturers are coming up with better ways to allow your AC to run more efficiently.
Reach Out For Air Conditioning Repair And Maintenance Today
If you're looking for AC repair in Atlanta, the experts at Moncrief Heating & Air Conditioning can help. Let's ensure that your utility bills are low while your level of comfort is higher than ever before. Stay on top of your HVAC maintenance needs with a quick call today.