4 Ways To Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

During the summer months, people always want to keep themselves cool not just for comfort but also for the sake of one’s health. However, using a fan, or staying in a well-ventilated space may not be enough. For that reason, many people choose to use air conditioners to beat the heat. Consequently, these are the months wherein our energy consumption reaches its peak because of the continued use of our air-conditioning system.

Based on statistics, six percent of all produced electricity in the United States alone is consumed by air conditioners resulting in about USD$29 billion of annual costs to homeowners. However, using an air conditioner during these summer months is inevitable, especially if you have a condition that temperature, is a factor. But like all things, everything has a price. Therefore, it’s just vital to find efficient ways to lower your energy consumption. 

If you are using a malfunctioning air conditioner, many repair services can significantly help you. It’s advisable to search online for repair service providers near your area, such as ac repair Bluemont to help you with your air-conditioning concerns.

If you want a comfortable and cool home during these hot summer months with lesser energy costs, here are four cost-efficient ways to go about it.

1. Have Regular Maintenance

A poorly maintained air conditioner has a shorter lifespan and consumes more energy. There are some ways to keep your AC unit in good running condition for a longer time, you can regularly clean the components, change worn-out parts, and fix electrical connections. Likewise, you can also check the controls and refrigerant levels on your central AC system every two to three years. Moreover, you should take note that proper maintenance of the refrigerant can increase the AC unit’s efficiency by 20 percent. Altogether, doing these tips can make your air conditioning system more efficient and can reduce your electrical consumption.

2. Upgrade Your Air Conditioner

There are a lot of ways to lower the monthly costs of using air conditioners. However, you can also save a lot if you consider upgrading your cooling system. You can opt for repairs to keep them running, or you can decide to buy a new one. For instance, you can replace an old window-type air conditioner with an efficient and more modern mini-split type unit. Keep in mind that continuous use of an air conditioner that has run past its ideal lifespan (usually around ten years) can cause a considerable waste of energy. Also, choosing a more sustainable unit can lower costs by up to 20%, which can save you a lot of money. You can also use a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating calculator, to show you the low energy consumption rating of modern air conditioners compared to the older ones.

3. Adjust Your Thermostat

Thermostat settings should also be considered based on the size of the room and the people inside it. Managing the indoor temperature and keeping it at a particular level is why people do such. Changing the thermostat setting can significantly lower the cost of using air conditioners. For instance, you can set your thermostat between seven degrees to ten degrees Fahrenheit or lower when you plan to leave your room or when there are fewer people using it. Doing this can allow you to save as much as ten percent a year. Otherwise, it’s best to turn off your air conditioner entirely while outside if you want to cut costs.

On the other hand, this type of adjustment may not work for all people. For instance, Arizona has less humidity compared to other states. That said, you may want to be more flexible with your thermostat setting. 

4. Plant Trees

According to John Krigger, an energy conservation specialist and founder and president of Saturn Resource Management, most heat that gathers within the house comes straight from the sun shining through onto the roof or windows, causing heat inside the area. As such, one way to prevent this is to plant trees around the house to prevent the sun from directly heating the home. In addition, using shrubs or trees to shade your cooling system can increase its efficiency. Furthermore, you can also help minimize climate change and carbon footprint by doing this tip.

Summing Up

It’s everybody’s desire to ward off heat during the summer season, that’s why people decide to use their air conditioning system at this time of the year. But prolonged use of this appliance will surely add up to your energy bills. Make this article your guide to continuously enjoy the comfort and cooling benefits of your air conditioners and still save up on their energy consumption.