As the relentless heat of Florida’s summer sets in, many rely heavily on air conditioning to stay cool. Keeping your living space cool and comfy often comes with a wallet-draining price tag, thanks to high electric costs. Thankfully, with a few strategic tips and changes to AC habits, you can stay cool and save money.
Here are a few of the best ways to reduce your cooling costs this season without sacrificing comfort.
Best Ways to Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs
Running your AC can come at a steep price, especially when daytime temperatures outside climb to 100°F (and even higher). Use these tips this summer to keep your home cool and the power bill low.
Use Fans
Fans are an affordable and ideal way to help circulate cool air throughout your home. Any fan, especially ceiling fans, may allow you to set your thermostat slightly higher without compromising comfort. Turn fans off in empty rooms.
Adjust the Thermostat
Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re not home can lead to significant savings. A good rule of thumb is to keep it around 78°F when you’re at home and higher when you’re away. Every degree you raise the thermostat can save you about 3-5% on your cooling costs.
Throw Some Shade
Shading your home from the intense heat can significantly reduce the workload on your system. Indoors, use curtains or blinds to block the sun’s rays during the hottest part of the day. Outdoors, consider planting trees or installing awnings to provide shade to keep your living space cool and reduce energy usage.
Insulate Your Attic
Proper attic insulation prevents cool air from escaping and hot air from entering your home. This can greatly improve your AC’s efficiency and lower your energy bills. Ensure your attic is well-insulated, and check for any gaps or areas that might need additional insulation.
Seal Any Air Leaks
Air is sneaky! It can leak around windows, doors and ductwork, allowing cool air to escape and hot air to enter. Leaks make your AC work harder, but sealing them with weatherstripping or caulk can help maintain a consistent indoor temperature and lower energy usage.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats learn your routine and adjust the temperature to optimize your cooling system’s efficiency. You to manage your home’s temperature remotely with a smartphone even when you’re away, leading to significant energy savings over time.
Save Heat Producing Activities for Evening
Using your oven, dishwasher and dryer all generate a lot of heat, which warms the space and makes your AC work harder. Try to plan to use the appliances in the evening hours and utilize your grill for outdoor cooking so your AC unit doesn’t have to work to keep the house comfortable.
Routine AC Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your AC running efficiently. Schedule your yearly or bi-yearly HVAC maintenance service so a professional can check all your system components, including refrigerant levels, and ensure everything is in good working order. A well-maintained AC unit operates more efficiently, uses less energy, and lasts longer.
Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Dirty air filters restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and use more energy. Check your filters monthly and replace them as needed, usually every 1-3 months, to ensure your system runs efficiently.
Keep an Eye on Indoor Humidity Levels
High humidity levels can make your home feel warmer than it is, prompting you to lower the thermostat. If your AC system is working correctly, adding a dehumidifier can help maintain optimal indoor humidity levels, making your home feel cooler and more comfortable without overworking your AC.
Install a New, Energy Efficient AC
If your AC unit is over 10-15 years old, it’s probably time to consider an upgrade. Newer models are significantly more energy-efficient and can lower your cooling costs. Check with your HVAC technician for units with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings for the best efficiency.
Consult the Experts for Optimal Cooling Efficiency
You can stay cool and save money by making a few adjustments, such as using fans, raising your thermostat, adding shade, and routinely caring for your AC unit. If you’ve tried to improve your cooling efficiency or lower your electric expenses and still haven’t noticed improvement, you should consult a reputable HVAC company. They are trained to identify system failures and issues within your living that may be contributing to your cooling problems and can ensure your system is running at peak performance.
