Explore These 5 Ways to Save on Air Conditioning Costs

Air conditioning can be expensive, especially in the hot summer season. Below are tips on how to save money on A/C.

The spring and summer months usher in pleasant weather. However, the extreme heat often affects electricity bills, and homeowners may struggle to manage their budgets. Running the air conditioner is essential for cooling the home, but it sometimes harms its electricity consumption.

Fortunately, several tips can enable homeowners to regulate indoor temperatures and minimize air conditioning costs.

Keep reading to learn more.

Surround the house with trees

Planting trees near the house prevents the sunlight from reaching the roof and windows, keeping the summer heat outside. The leafy branches act as a barrier that fends off summer heat and ensures indoor temperatures remain at optimal levels. It’s best to go for tall trees and cover the windows and roof to ensure there aren’t unwanted energy bill spikes.

Cover the windows to block sunlight

Another effective method to keep the home cool during the summer is equipping the windows with solar screens. The mesh-like covers block heat and sunlight before they invade the house, maintaining pleasant indoor temperatures. For increased cooling power, it’s best to install solar screens on windows facing towards the east and west.

Homeowners should consider window films, which are also a budget-friendly solution. The thin metal sheets redirect the heat before it goes through the glass. Their reflective properties help regulate temperature without powering on the air conditioner.

Window films are effective only when the windows are closed, but solar screens allow homeowners to keep the windows open without worrying about heat or insects entering the house.

Adjust the thermostat

If no one is home during the morning or afternoon, adjusting the thermostat to around 10 degrees higher helps lower power bills. Additionally, setting the thermostat to 78 degrees when household members are at home prevents excessive cooling, maintains comfort levels, and balances energy use.

Homeowners using outdated thermostats might be interested in switching to a programmable model. These smart devices are easy to use and allow people to adjust them remotely. To find the best fit, reach out to a professional who will assess the situation and recommend the most energy-efficient options.

Invest in ceiling fans

Using ceiling fans to cool the home’s upper levels enhances air circulation. If there are windows near the fans, keep them closed to trap the cooler air inside. Fans also improve evaporation cooling so that the sweat from our skin disappears more quickly.

Optimize the air conditioner

Neglecting to service the air conditioner also leads to increased power bills. For example, damaged or dirty filters obstruct airflow, and the unit requires more electricity to function correctly. Older systems sometimes contain deteriorating components that negatively impact their efficiency, so replacing the unit with a more sustainable model is the best solution.

Cool the home with professional help

Contact a professional team to schedule an inspection to ensure that the air conditioner is perfect. They’ll assess the unit, check the inner components, and share invaluable maintenance tips to keep the air conditioner running smoothly.

When you need heating or refrigeration service, maintenance, or repair, call us at Affordable Comfort A/C and Heating 602-574-1205.