An AC system can boost air quality and keep your home cool and comfortable. But these indoor elements come at a price. Beyond the initial installation and ongoing maintenance service fees, air conditioning systems can consume quite a bit of power. Running a large unit can cost more than $100 monthly. Fortunately, you don’t need to compromise comfort to reduce energy costs. These solutions can help you reduce your utility bill in the summer.
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Smart thermostats are a savvy investment for the environment and your pocket. These innovative Wi-Fi-enabled devices go beyond the functions of a regular thermostat by allowing you to control indoor temperatures from your smart devices. Apart from the convenience, they are programmed to turn off automatically when the home is unoccupied.
These devices can remember weeks and months of your setting’s history and compare indoor and outdoor temperatures, which can help manage comfort. Some models can sync to smart thermostat radiator valves so you can adjust comfort levels in different rooms.
Between keeping the AC off when you’re not home and helping you view and control temperatures inside more efficiently, you’ll notice substantial energy savings.
Window treatments have a significant influence on home cooling. Windows let sunlight and heat inside, which can counter the effort of your AC unit. Energy-efficient treatments can reduce the amount of sunlight entering your home by up to 76%.
Energy-efficient products hold Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC) certification and rating, which determines the power consumption of a product. Whether you choose blinds, shutters, films or solar screens, look for the AERC rating.
In addition to treatments, upgrading to windows with low-E coating or multi-layer glaze can improve cooling even more. These windows can reduce light intensity by about 75% and lower room temperatures by over 2°F, translating into a potential savings of about 4% in a tropical climate like the south and southeast of Florida.
A poorly insulated home will let heat and cold pass through it. Hot air can seep in through gaps in window and door frames and even around ductwork. When this happens, the AC unit will need to work harder to keep the home cool. So, improving insulation can reduce home cooling costs.
Inspect all the doors, windows and ductwork in your house, and seal up any areas where leaks may be letting air in. Check the weather sealing around entryways. Upgrading damaged weather stripping can improve insulation.
Caulk is a great choice for cracks and openings around window and door frames, and weatherstripping is best used on moving components, like operable windows and doors. Foam sealant is more suitable for larger gaps.
You should also look for air leaks around the fireplace chimneys, gas-fired water heater vents and furnaces.
Your efforts of sealing up air leaks won’t help much if you leave the doors and windows open. This habit is one of the most common energy-saving mistakes you can make when using an AC unit. It might feel tempting to open the windows and let a breeze in during a hot summer day, but this action will let that heat pour inside.
Keep all the doors and windows closed, and trust the AC unit to cool your living space. Because these units filter the air to remove dust and other particles, you won’t need to open windows to let fresh air in, either.
If your AC unit’s ducts and vents restrict airflow, the system won’t work efficiently. To achieve a cool living space, you’ll need proper airflow to decrease the temperature.
Make sure furniture or other household items are not blocking the vents. Cleaning dirt built up on these components can also help keep airflow constant. These small efforts will go a long way in reducing overall AC costs in summer because the unit will use less power to cool your home.
A ceiling fan can support your AC unit by improving indoor temperatures as well. While ceiling fans differ in design and price across the market, running a fan typically costs only a few dollars monthly. Some high-efficiency fans cost even less. Even though a ceiling fan doesn’t have the same cooling abilities as an AC unit, it can take some strain off to lower overall costs.
You can use standing fans or a couple of desk fans as a cheaper and easier alternative to a ceiling installation.
Air conditioning systems consist of air filters, coils and several other parts. Frequent use will wear these parts down, causing the system to function less efficiently.
Clogged and dirty air filters can reduce airflow. The air bypasses the filter and moves directly into the evaporator coil, disrupting heat absorption. Replacing dirty filters can offer energy savings of between 5% and 15%.
Air filters protect the evaporator coils from collecting dirt, although the coils are still bound to collect some dirt over time. When dust and dirt collect here, it forms an insulating layer that reduces heat absorption efficiency. The coil fins may bend and block airflow, and a clogged condensation drain can impact humidity control functions.
Professional technicians will also inspect the refrigerant levels to find potential leaks. Ductwork, electrical terminals and control sequences are other key maintenance areas.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep the unit in top shape for years of service. Ideally, you should schedule a maintenance appointment every six months after spring and fall.
A smart thermostat, energy-efficient window treatments and other solutions on this list can help reduce your cooling costs. With these changes and regular AC maintenance, you can enjoy a cool home without dreading your next utility bill.
Strada Air Conditioning & Heating offers many reliable AC services, from maintenance plans and repair services to complete replacements. We can help keep your cooling system running efficiently throughout the year, and our expert technicians can repair parts when they fail. Our technicians are expertly trained to work on all major brands.
Our residential AC services can help improve performance and efficiency so you can enjoy noticeable savings every month. Take advantage of our convenient online scheduling features to book your maintenance service appointment. If you’d like to learn more about our services, get in touch online or reach out directly at 860-200-2854.
Joe Strada, owner of Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning, started working at the young age of 14. He’s never attended college, but he has spent his life dedicating his time and energy to his trade and providing high-quality services to his customers. At 19, Joe started working at a well-known air conditioning company and developing his commitment to excellence. He has state certifications in electric, plumbing, air conditioning, residential building and general contracting. During his years of training and experience, Joe noticed a sincere need for a dependable electrical contractor in Florida who embodied the same dedication to customer service in which he believed. In 2003, Joe co-founded Strada Electric, Security & Air Conditioning. Since then, the company has been in the business of providing peace of mind to customers. We offer expert electric, security and air conditioning solutions for homes and businesses, leveraging our experience to deliver professional and responsive service with reliability and respect.
