In the face of ever-rising energy costs, one thing is certain, if you’re looking to save money on your cooling bills this summer, it pays to invest a bit of time in regular air conditioning service. But what are the best techniques for getting the most bang for your buck? In this blog post, we’ll cover some easy and effective tips to help you reduce energy consumption while allowing your AC unit to perform as efficiently and effectively as possible. You can stay comfortable without breaking the bank in hot weather with the right service tips and resources.
1. Change Your Filter
Dirty filters slow the airflow, reducing the air conditioner’s efficiency and making the system work harder, leading to higher energy bills. In most systems, changing a dirty filter can improve energy efficiency by 15%, so this small task can make a massive difference in cost savings and energy conservation. Moreover, maintaining clean filters can reduce the amount of allergens and dust circulating in your home and improve air quality. If you routinely check your HVAC filters, you will gain a good sense of how long it takes them to become clogged and dirty. Experts recommend that your HVAC air filters should be changed at least once every three months. If you have pets or family members with respiratory issues, you may decide to change them more often than that.
2. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Setting your thermostat is one of the most critical steps to save energy during the summer months. If your thermostat settings are too low, your air conditioner will run more often than necessary, resulting in higher energy costs. Ensure your thermostat is set so that it’s not cooling the house when no one is home or when everyone is asleep. Smart thermostats are a great way to automate temperature control and help keep energy use costs down without sacrificing comfort.
With a smart thermostat, you can easily set schedules for specific days of the week. Some systems even adjust settings based on real-time temperature. WiFi or Bluetooth technology also allows you to access and change settings from anywhere remotely. Taking advantage of these features can save you money while ensuring your cool air is circulating throughout your home when it counts.
3. Clean Out Vents & Registers
Keeping your air conditioning vents and registers clean is integral to keeping your home cooler and more energy-efficient. Dust and grime buildup can significantly affect how much energy you use for air conditioning. Cleaning with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner can help ensure that air travels through the vents easily and efficiently, with minimal energy wasted.
Additionally, vacuuming dust and debris from the vent helps keep the air in your home or office clean, which can be especially beneficial if someone in the space suffers from allergies, asthma, or other respiratory issues. By ensuring all of the vents and registers are clear, you can be sure your air conditioner is prepared to handle any summer weather without working as hard while helping you save energy and protect the health of those around you.
4. Clean or Replace Your Coils
Dirty or damaged coils can impede airflow, increasing energy costs over time. Investing in periodic coil maintenance can save you money in the long run. Replacing the coils entirely may be necessary to keep your air conditioner running efficiently. Doing so could result in you consuming less electricity than expected during peak summer months, conserving energy without compromising cool temperatures in your home or office. Reach out to a HVAC expert to have your coils cleaned or replaced.
5. Check for Leaks Around Windows and Doors
Properly sealed windows and doors help to keep the air inside your home or office at a set temperature. Not only will this help conserve energy and keep monthly costs low, but it can also ensure maximum efficiency from your air conditioning unit. Leaky windows or any gaps in the sealant can introduce hot air into the home and make it difficult for your air conditioning system to maintain a comfortable temperature. Look for evidence of wear around doors leading outside or any large gaps in the seal of your windows.
Homeowners can use caulk or foam insulation around windows and door frames to ensure they are properly sealed. Checking for any existing leaks helps you save energy and dollars, making it a critical part of regular air conditioning maintenance. If unsure where to start, reach out to an HVAC professional from Mackey Services to inspect your home and give you tips to make your home more energy efficient.
6. Check for Leaks and Have Your Ductwork Cleaned
Now, more than ever, it is essential to maintain any available form of savings that you can get, so be sure to take the time to have a professional inspect your ductwork for any signs of damage or deterioration. Experts indicate that homeowners may lose up to 25% of their treated air through faults in the ductwork in spaces like attics. This loss makes your cooling system work hard when temperatures outside are sweltering and results in higher utility costs. Having your ducts cleaned can also increase the efficiency of your system by removing debris blocking free airflow. In addition to cost savings, clean ducts ensure that allergens and contaminants are not recirculating throughout your home, increasing the quality of the air your family breathes.
7. Get Your Air Conditioning System Serviced Regularly
Ensuring your air conditioning system is regularly serviced is vital to low energy costs. During regular service, air conditioning technicians will check filters and lubricate the mechanical parts of your system, helping ensure that it is running as efficiently as possible. A technician will also check for any issues that could cause performance problems down the line and provide recommendations for steps you can take to maximize efficiency. Investing in regular maintenance services can make all the difference in air conditioner lifespan and performance levels.
8. Keep the Sun Out
In order to maximize your energy efficiency and keep your bills from escalating out of control, it is important to shade windows that receive direct sunlight and reduce solar heat gain in the summertime. This can be achieved by installing awnings or overhangs above south-facing windows, utilizing light-colored blinds or shades on all exposed windows, and planting trees for natural shade. In addition, you can use heavy curtains to seal off unused rooms to minimize energy loss and ensure that you are only cooling off the areas you are regularly using.
Rely on the Experts
At [Company_Name], we have been serving the needs of the residents of Dickinson, TX for 30 years. We install, maintain, and repair all types of heating and cooling systems. In addition, we are smart home, EV station installation, and electrical system experts. Because we know that regular HVAC service is vital to keeping energy costs low and maintaining a comfortable house is important to our customers, we offer regular service specials to our clients.
Contact Mackey Services today to learn about our service specials and our outstanding HVAC and electrical solutions.
