Running the air conditioner this summer can increase the power bill up to 50%. However, there are a few steps you can apply during the long warm season to help reduce the impact of your running AC without sacrificing the needed comfort. Below, we at Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning would like to share a few adjustments you can make help better manage the air conditioner’s operating costs.
Replace an Old Thermostat with a Programmable or Smart Upgrade
More often than not, a programmable thermostat pays for itself in a single cooling season in most cases as it is a huge money-saver. The programmable thermostats are dependable for shutting off the system or adjusting the temperatures when you are not home or asleep. With modern conveniences and advancements, there are many affordable models that allow you to manage the thermostat from your smartphone, so you can leave the unit off until 30-60 minutes before you are due home. The unit will not over expend more energy or work harder to reach comfort levels as the thermostat stops the compressor when the temperature in your home are reached. When you are not home, program the thermostat to about 78° Fahrenheit.
Clean or Change Air Filters Regularly
A very important step to reduce the power bills, is to change your air filter’s or have them cleaned according to the type of filter. Not only does the restricted air flow cause the air conditioner to work over time, skyrocketing the operating costs, but it also causes the unit to wear faster, and often require repairs. In the desert, it is recommended that you check the filters every 4 weeks.
Circulate Air with Ceiling Fans
The natural tendency for cool air is to fall and ceiling fans can help offset that natural tendency. A great way to keep air circulating air while using much less energy, especially when you save energy by keeping your home set to a slightly warmer temperature. Because they keep the air moving, much like a cool breeze, ceiling fans an make you feel up to 8 degrees cooler.
HVAC System Preventive Maintenance
To ensure that the system operates efficiently, inspections, tune-ups, and other maintenance services should be regularly scheduled every year. The technician makes sure that the system is cleaned, working efficiently, and all the parts are in excellent condition. This improves performance and longevity in addition to better managing the energy usage.
Seal Air Leaks in Your Home
Crevices and cracks in the home’s foundation and structure need to be sealed. Use a caulking gun to seal up the cracks and crevices around doors and windows doesn’t require handiness, but a handyman can get the job fairly affordably if you are not so inclined. Preventing the cool air from escaping and allowing the hot air can better the efficiency of your system and control energy use.
On the South and West Sides of the home, keep blinds, curtains and/or drapes closed. Much like your parked car getting hot under the sun, the same affect is happening to your house. The direct sunlight peeking through the windows is increasing the temperatures in your home, keeping the A/C running for air it cannot cool. With the closed blinds and drapes, the air conditioner does not use more energy to operate and you are not wasting money on air you cannot keep cool.
Central Air Conditioning Services & More in Summerlin, North LV, Henderson, Enterprise, Paradise, Sunrise Manor, Spring Valley, Aliante, Anthem, Desert Shores, Eldorado, Green Valley Ranch, Inspirada, Mountain’s Edge, Peccole Ranch, Providence, Rhodes Ranch, Seven Hills, Silverado Ranch, The Lakes, Tuscany Village & Las Vegas Nevada
When it comes to repairs, maintenance, and installation services, call Air Supply Heating & Air Conditioning for quality services to ensure your HVAC system is in the hands of the leading experts.