High temperatures and humidity levels are here to stay for a long time. Now that you’re using your air conditioner for most of the day, are you afraid to look at your electric bill? Here’s a guide to saving money when using your AC system in Barefoot Bay, FL.
Turn Up Your Thermostat
On a hot, humid day, it’s tempting to blast your AC system all day, which is costly. To save money, try setting your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and need relief from the heat and humidity.
The U.S. Department of Energy says you could save up to 10% a year on your cooling costs by setting your thermostat at a higher temperature at least eight hours a day. So, remember to raise your thermostat setting when you leave for work, or program your smart thermostat to do it for you.
Avoid Setting Your Thermostat Too Low
Setting your thermostat to an extremely low temperature won’t cool your home any faster than your normal setting. Instead, it uses more electricity because your air conditioner works harder. If you do this frequently, your cooling costs rise, and you add wear and tear to your AC system.
Switch to a Smart Thermostat
If you haven’t made the switch to a smart thermostat, now’s the time to do it. You will no longer need to worry about whether you turned your air conditioner off when you go out. Most smart thermostats come with apps that make them easy to program, so you can save money on your cooling costs throughout the year.
Change Your Air Filter Monthly
Your cooling system relies on proper airflow to run as efficiently as possible. If the air filter is dirty, it blocks air from entering your AC system. Your air conditioner works harder to keep your home cool, and your electric bill goes up.
Check your air filter each month during the summer, even if the filter’s label says it can last three months. If you use disposable filters, replace them when they get dirty. If you use a washable filter, clean and dry it before putting it back in place.
Know When and How to Use Your Ceiling Fans
It’s a myth that ceiling fans generate cool air. Instead, they keep the air moving in your home, which helps you feel cooler. Turn off ceiling fans in unoccupied rooms, because otherwise, you waste electricity.
Most ceiling fans switch to clockwise and counter-clockwise spin directions. During the summer, set your fans to rotate counterclockwise. This blows the cooler-feeling air straight down into your living space.
Upgrade to LED Lights
Energy-efficient light bulbs like LEDs use much less electricity than incandescent or fluorescent bulbs. They also burn cooler, which means they don’t add heat to your home. Another benefit is that LED bulbs last longer than other types of bulbs, which adds to your savings.
Say No to Energy Vampires
It’s possible to reduce your monthly electric bill by 20% when you unplug the energy vampires in your home. These power-sucking devices continue to waste energy when not in use. Remember to unplug unused devices like:
- Phone, laptop and tablet chargers.
- Electronic devices like computers, video game systems and televisions.
- Small appliances like toasters and coffee makers.
If it’s not convenient to unplug your devices, use a smart power strip that shuts off power to idle devices.
It may be tempting to skip your annual AC maintenance to save a little money. However, this could cost you money because your air conditioner will run less efficiently and could break down when you need it most. The cost of maintenance is a small investment that can ensure your family’s comfort this summer.
Save money and protect your comfort by scheduling an appointment for your AC system maintenance in Barefoot Bay, FL. Contact Barker Air Conditioning and Heating for all your air conditioning needs, including maintenance, repairs and installations.
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