How to Save Money on Air Conditioning

When you look at your utility bill during the summer, it can be a little shocking. These tips help to save some energy while you continue to keep cool.

Change Filters

Your Sacramento heating and air system’s air filters do more than just improve your air quality. All the air that enters your home through the system goes through the filter. If it gets clogged, the system has to push the air harder to get through. That decreases your energy efficiency, and can also affect your indoor air quality. Change your filters every three months, so that you can keep the system cleaner and avoid putting too much stress on your air conditioning.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Millions of households own a programmable thermostat, but some homeowners do not use them or do not know how to utilize them effectively. If you have a programmable thermostat but you use it like a manual, you could probably save quite a bit of energy and money by learning how to create the settings. When you schedule the settings, try to minimize the use of the system while your family is gone or sleeping at night. You should notice some significant decreases in your energy consumption.

Improve Insulation

You may think of insulation as something that keeps you warm in the winter. The truth is that, in any region with a hot summer, insulation is just as important during the warmer months. Insulation is what keeps the hot air outside from creeping inside quite as quickly. Have your insulation inspected, and add more if necessary. Fortunately, insulation is fairly inexpensive and has a good return on investment, if you plan to sell in the near future.

Try Alternative Means of Cooling

Just like heating, your air conditioning was never intended to be the be-all and end-all of your cooling needs. There are plenty of ways to stay cool without inconveniencing yourself. Purchase ceiling fans that are designed to cycle the warm air out of the room, especially on the second floor of the home. Schedule the use of heat-producing equipment, such as your clothes dryer, dishwasher or oven, to the coolest times of the day. Open blinds when the sun is not shining directly on the windows, to provide natural light without the extra solar heat gain.

Arrange for Professional Service

All of the best ways to encourage better efficiency from your HVAC equipment involve conscious action, and scheduling professional maintenance is the last part of the equation. Your system usually works with little thought from you, but there may be issues under the surface that affect your HVAC efficacy without your knowledge. Professional service is designed to expose these problems before the system breaks down entirely, costing you hundreds or thousands of dollars in repairs.
You have a summer of air conditioning ahead, so you might as well start on the savings right now. With these tips from the experts at Ace Plumbing, you save money without letting the house heat up.