As the temperatures rise outside, air conditioning is essential for keeping your home comfortable in the summer. However, running your AC all day and night can quickly get expensive.
Cooling costs can add up fast! The U.S Department of Energy estimates that Americans spend approximately $30 billion annually to keep cool and the cost of electricity to run your unit has increased by 4.3% since 2020.
Most people don’t have a ton of extra cash sitting around to spend on energy bills. So! read on for some helpful tips on how you can save money on cooling bills this summer and beyond.
Repair your AC now before it breaks down completely
Air conditioners tend to break down at the most inconvenient time possible: when it’s hot outside. Investing in AC maintenance and repair now will save you a ton of money later on. Spending a little money repairing your AC will prevent you from having to spend thousands of dollars on a new AC unit.
When parts of your AC unit are worn down or broken, it’s best to get them repaired before the system breaks down completely. Waiting until the end of the season to find out that your AC needs to be replaced can be costly and time-consuming.
It’s risky to try to repair your AC yourself, even if you are handy with other home repairs. AC units feature complex electrical, chemical, and mechanical systems that can result in larger repairs if they are handled incorrectly. You could even put yourself at risk of fire or injury.
It’s always safer and cheaper to hire an AC repair professional to fix it right the first time. If you need AC repair or maintenance, contact us at R.E. Long Services for an estimate.
What are the signs that you need AC repair?
What are some tell-tale signs that your AC needs repair? Call R.E. Long right away if you notice any of the following:
- You find dripping or pooling water around the unit
- Your AC is blowing warm air
- There is an unexplainable increase in your utility bill
- You hear strange sounds such as humming, screeching, or grinding
Don’t forget that you may be able eligible for savings, such as a military discount to use toward AC repair. Please ask us about our ac repair and maintenance plans!
Install a programmable thermostat
Did you know that installing a programmable thermostat can help you save up to 10% on cooling costs? That can add up to a lot of money!
A programmable thermostat allows you to set a schedule that matches your daily activities. For example, you can set the temperature of your home a little higher while you are at work during the day, then program it to cool down right before you come home for the evening. This means that you don’t have to keep the AC running on full blast all day, every day.
If you’re not sure where to start, there are many different types of thermostats to choose from, including digital, programmable, and smart thermostats which can be operated through your phone or a digital assistant like Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
Although most thermostats are fairly easy to install, a technician can come to your house to help if you get stuck.
Switch to a more energy-efficient AC
If your AC is more than 10 years old or if your unit is broken beyond repair, it might be time to replace it. No one wants to spend money on a brand new air conditioner but it can actually save you money in the long run.
Older AC units use two to three times more energy than newer, more energy-efficient models. Even if your unit is only 10 years old, you could still save 20-40% by replacing it with a newer model.
If your AC is old and needs to be replaced, don’t stress too much about the upfront cost, a new more energy-efficient model will reduce your energy bill, saving a bundle over time.
Replace your windows
If you have old or drafty windows in your home, the money you spend on cooling your home could be literally blowing right out the window. According to the Department of Energy, inefficient windows can cause your AC to work harder and use more energy. Replacing your windows with energy-efficient windows can help reduce your cooling costs and make your home more comfortable.
If you haven’t purchased windows recently you may be surprised by how many different types of windows there are to choose from. Look for Energy Star certified windows and double or triple-paned insulated windows for the highest level of energy efficiency. You can speak with a contractor to find out what will work best in your home.
If new windows just aren’t in the budget you can try to seal up drafty windows using spray foam or other sealing products to improve the energy efficiency of your windows and help reduce cooling costs.
Get an eco-friendly air conditioner
If you’re looking to reduce cooling costs and lower your carbon footprint, using an eco-friendly air conditioner can help. An eco-friendly AC uses less electricity and emits fewer greenhouse gases than other AC units. There are many different types of eco-friendly air conditioners.
Some air conditioners are even programmable, allowing you to set the temperature based on your schedule. If you’re interested in purchasing an eco-friendly AC unit, be sure to do some research. You may be able to find rebates or other incentives that can help lower the cost of the unit.
Change the rotation of your ceiling fans
Did you know that you can change the direction of your ceiling fans? It’s true! There is a little button or switch near the base of your ceiling fan that allows you to change the direction of its rotation. But why would you need to do such a thing?
During the hot summer months, your ceiling fan should be set to spin in a counter-clockwise direction. This draws warm air up to the ceiling and pushes cool air down to make your home more comfortable and reduce the strain on your air conditioner.
When winter approaches, switch your fan to spin in a clockwise direction. This circulates warm air into the room and helps reduce your heating bill.
This may seem like a minor detail but little changes can go a long way in saving you money on your heating and cooling bills.
Minor Habits That Can Save You Money
Speaking of small changes, there are several things you can do to help stretch your cooling dollars.
- Use a microwave or grill outside to avoid running the stove and oven on hot days.
- Run your bathroom exhaust fan after showers to draw out excess heat and humidity.
- Close curtains and blinds during the sunniest parts of the day to block the rays from heating up your home.
- Instead of cranking up your AC, run fans to help circulate cold air throughout your home.
Save Energy with AC Repair from R.E. Long Services
Running your AC can be costly, especially if you have an older unit. To cut down on cooling costs, repair and maintain your AC now before it breaks down completely. If you do need to buy a new air conditioner, invest in an energy-efficient model.
Lower your cooling costs again by installing a programmable thermostat and replacing old drafty windows. Never underestimate how small changes in habits such as closing your blinds on sunny days and changing the rotation of your ceiling fans in the summer and winter can save money on your energy bills.
Want to make sure that your AC is running efficiently? Get in touch with us at R.E. Long Services to get started.