Summer in Central Ohio can be a roller coaster ride with differing temperatures every day. That being said, it can be difficult to know how to efficiently run your AC during the summer. We at Delaware Heating & Air are dedicated to saving you money, so we put together 10 ways to lower your cooling costs this summer. With our tips, you become an expert at saving money and improving the health of your AC unit!
- Make Use of Ceiling Fans
Air circulation from ceiling fans creates a significant wind-chill which makes your home’s air temperature feel about 6 to 7 degrees cooler. By combining the use of ceiling fans with the use of your air conditioning, you can save money and energy. Be sure to raise your thermostat temperature to 6 to 7 degrees more than your preferred temperature to lock in the savings!
- Fight the Heat With Window Coverings
Curtains and blinds are a lifesaver in the summer. Because sunlight is an extremely powerful source of energy and heat, covering your windows during the day can help your air conditioning unit work more efficiently.
- Invest in Your Window Screens
If you wish to avoid being the neighborhood vampire by shutting up your curtains and blinds during the summer, you can invest in or make use of your mesh window screens. The mesh material filters the hot summer sun, saving you some money on your electric bill.
- Keep Your Cool
Cold air isn’t much help if it’s escaping through cracks in your home. By investing in caulking or by weather-stripping doors and windows in your home, you can keep the cold air in and the warm air out. Additionally, an airtight home proves helpful and energy efficient in the winter as well.
- Always Keep Savings in Mind
If you’re running your AC based only on comfort, then you are probably wasting a lot of energy. By keeping energy consumption in mind, you can save money on your monthly utility bills. Your goal should be to keep your AC settings as close to outdoor temperatures as possible. Crazy enough, every degree you lower your thermostat increases energy savings by up to 6%.
- Keep Your Air Filters Clean
Dirty air filters are the number one cause of inefficient HVAC systems, and grime buildup is the greatest enemy of effective circulation. We recommend that you replace your indoor air filters at least once every 4 weeks to 3 months, depending on the size and setup of your home.
- Adjust Your Daily Routine
Many household chores and activities require heat, including cooking, showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. Additional heat in your home forces your AC to work harder to keep up. By avoiding heat producing activities during the hot hours of the day, you will enable your AC unit to run more efficiently.
- Know When to Replace Your AC Unit
While AC replacement can be an expensive and often daunting task, it’s important that you do not put it off when it’s necessary. If your AC unit has hit the end of its life, be sure to replace it with an energy efficient, highly rated system. While the investment may seem large now, replacing outdated AC systems results in lower energy bills and greater comfort!
- Invest in Shade Trees
If you are interested in long term investments, then shade trees are extremely beneficial. Although saplings won’t make a difference when first planted, mature shade trees are proficient at protecting homes from the sun. If this option is right for you, then make sure to be smart about the placement of your shade trees. Consider targeting the east and west sides of your home, as well as your outdoor AC unit. By protecting these areas from the sun, you can significantly save money in the long run!
- Schedule Spring HVAC Maintenance
The best way to prepare for the summer season is to ensure that your HVAC system is running correctly and in healthy condition in the spring before the heat hits. Even if there are no noticeable problems, it’s better to be safe than sorry. A certified HVAC technician can easily discover underlying issues that could prevent your cooling system from working efficiently in the summer.
Looking for a Trusted HVAC Service Company?
Summer in Ohio can be a difficult time to save energy because of differing temperatures and unpredictability. We hope that our tips and tricks help you to save money this summer on your electric bill. If you are looking for a trustworthy HVAC company to inspect your cooling system this spring to prepare for the summer season, then you can call Delaware Heating & Air today at 740-227-8302, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
