Summer will be here before you know it and electricity rates are continuing to climb. Quite frankly, we are also very concerned about rising energy bills. While there are energy-efficient A/C systems that homeowners can invest in to cut down on cooling costs, let’s admit it—not everyone can upgrade to the latest cooling technology. HVAC equipment is known for being expensive.
But with these cost-cutting tips, you should be able to keep your energy bills low and your comfort levels high.
Air Conditioning Energy-Saving Tips
- 1. Keep Vents and Filters Clean
We have always reminded you that clean filters, vents and ducts help your air conditioning system perform efficiently. As your HVAC system draws air in and over its coils, it also pulls in the accompanying dust, dirt, and debris. If left to build up, the system will have to work harder to pull air through the system. Additionally, the pollen, dust, and other contaminants can create an unhealthy indoor environment. You don’t want suffering and medical costs for your family or household.
By frequently changing your air filter, vacuuming around vents/registers, and remembering to schedule bi-annual professional maintenance, the A/C won’t need to use more electricity to cool your home. And your indoor air will be healthier!
- 2. Reduce Heat
Lessen the amount of heat-emitting appliances in the room(s) cooled by your air conditioning system. If you can keep these appliances away from where your A/C system is installed, that will also help.
Remember, anything plugged into your outlets are still drawing power even when they are turned off. This slow but steady energy loss is sometimes referred to as “vampire energy,” “phantom loads” or “leaking electricity.” You can reduce heat and electricity costs by going around your home and unplugging anything you aren’t using. So you don’t have to individually unplug items, another solution is to plug items into a surge protector/power strip and turn them off when not in use.
- 3. Consider Solar Screens and Other Window Treatments
To keep the cool air inside and prevent solar heat from getting in, you should consider installing solar screens, shades, blinds, drapes/curtains, and shutters.
Solar screens or mesh screens and are popular for their ability to reduce solar heat gain by 70-90%. They are especially useful for windows that receive a lot of sun, usually facing the east or the west. Like other screens it can also keep the insects out of your home even if your windows are open. They can be installed on the interior or exterior, in fixed panels or roller shades.
There are other ways to block UV rays and solar heat, including shades, blinds, drapes, shutters, awnings, and window films. Learn more about energy-efficient window attachments.
We have always reminded you that clean filters, vents and ducts help your air conditioning system perform efficiently. As your HVAC system draws air in and over its coils, it also pulls in the accompanying dust, dirt, and debris. If left to build up, the system will have to work harder to pull air through the system. Additionally, the pollen, dust, and other contaminants can create an unhealthy indoor environment. You don’t want suffering and medical costs for your family or household.
By frequently changing your air filter, vacuuming around vents/registers, and remembering to schedule bi-annual professional maintenance, the A/C won’t need to use more electricity to cool your home. And your indoor air will be healthier!
Lessen the amount of heat-emitting appliances in the room(s) cooled by your air conditioning system. If you can keep these appliances away from where your A/C system is installed, that will also help.
Remember, anything plugged into your outlets are still drawing power even when they are turned off. This slow but steady energy loss is sometimes referred to as “vampire energy,” “phantom loads” or “leaking electricity.” You can reduce heat and electricity costs by going around your home and unplugging anything you aren’t using. So you don’t have to individually unplug items, another solution is to plug items into a surge protector/power strip and turn them off when not in use.
To keep the cool air inside and prevent solar heat from getting in, you should consider installing solar screens, shades, blinds, drapes/curtains, and shutters.
Solar screens or mesh screens and are popular for their ability to reduce solar heat gain by 70-90%. They are especially useful for windows that receive a lot of sun, usually facing the east or the west. Like other screens it can also keep the insects out of your home even if your windows are open. They can be installed on the interior or exterior, in fixed panels or roller shades.
There are other ways to block UV rays and solar heat, including shades, blinds, drapes, shutters, awnings, and window films. Learn more about energy-efficient window attachments.
