Soaring Energy Prices Scaring You? Cut Cooling Costs This Summer!

Energy prices in Tempe, Arizona, have soared to record levels in recent months. Residents of Maricopa County pay more than almost everyone else around the country to fill their gas tanks. As a result, homeowners are looking for ways to save money this summer without compromising their quality of life. Since air conditioning accounts for about half of an average home’s energy bills, cutting your cooling costs is a good place to start. Here’s how to do so frugally.

Change Your AC Filter Monthly

Maximizing air conditioning efficiency will help you cut cooling costs this summer. The AC filter plays a vital role in preventing particles from collecting in your air conditioner and inhibiting efficient operation. As a result, you help to minimize how much energy your AC system consumes and how much strain it endures. This translates to lower cooling costs and fewer air conditioning repair bills. What’s more, it’ll also protect your indoor air quality.

Keep Precious Conditioned Air Inside

If your home has leaks around windows and doors, the conditioned air your AC system produces will escape. As a result, your air conditioner will have to work harder and longer to compensate, increasing cooling costs and the risk of breakdowns. Ensure your home’s thermal envelope is tight and keeps all that precious cold air inside. Conversely, use blinds and shades during the brightest and hottest times of the day to stop sunlight from streaming inside.

Don’t Use Heat-Releasing Appliances in the Daytime

Your air conditioner is at war with the hot and sunny conditions outside your home. It has all the tools necessary to win every battle, but it needs your help. Adding to its workload, especially during the daytime when the temperature is at its highest, is detrimental to its efficient operation. That’s why it’s best to complete tasks like cooking in the oven, using the dishwasher or operating the clothes dryer in the early morning or late evening. You’ll increase AC efficiency by doing so.

Take Advantage of Your Ceiling Fans

The average ceiling fan has an electrical output of up to 90 Watts. On the other hand, ENERGY STAR-certified ceiling fans are 60 percent more efficient. When you consider that air conditioners can have an electrical output between 500 and 1500 Watts, it pays to use the ceiling fans in your home. During the summer, the blades should rotate counterclockwise to create a windchill effect and make you feel cooler. As a result, you can reduce your reliance on your air conditioning system. Remember to turn ceiling fans off in empty rooms to save energy.

Lower Your Water Heater’s Temperature

While your water heater doesn’t impact your cooling costs, it does affect your home’s overall energy bills. The standard temperature setting for water heaters is 140 degrees. This is too hot for normal use and can lead to burns, especially if young kids live in your home. Decrease your water heater’s temperature to 120 degrees or even lower for greater energy savings. If you’re unsure how to do so safely, seek help from a professional plumbing expert.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat Installation

Most tips until now have been inexpensive ways to cut cooling costs. This one will take some investment on your part. If you still use a manual thermostat to manage your home’s temperature, consider upgrading to a smart model packed with features that will take your energy savings to the next level while adding convenience to your everyday life. Smart thermostats can operate automatically to maximize efficiency, send you detailed energy usage reports and alert you when it’s time to schedule maintenance. All this helps you cut cooling costs without much effort.

Schedule Professional AC Maintenance

Maximizing AC efficiency requires that you schedule air conditioning maintenance at least once per year when you live in Tempe, AZ. It’s never too late to do so. Contact Air & Water Mechanical Services, LLC to book your appointment right away.

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