Summer is on its way, and with it comes the high temperatures and stifling humidity. Most families and residents rely on a central air conditioning system to keep the house cold during the summer season. Unfortunately, we have become accustomed to paying high electricity bills from June to August to combat the hot weather. To help you save money on your bills, we have compiled a list of 6 ways to enhance the efficiency of your air conditioner.
1.) Close the Blinds & Curtains in Empty Rooms
If you don’t want to purchase a new programmable thermostat, a free way to save money on your air conditioning bills is to close the curtains and blinds in unused areas of your house. This will help reduce the total amount of heat in the air from solar heat gain. To divert a maximum amount of heat and humidity, purchase and install blinds that are a light color.
2.) Install a New Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner is older and not functioning efficiently, you should consider replacing the system. Pick a new air conditioner with a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating to save money on your air conditioning bills. A SEER rating is calculated by measuring the total amount of cold air produced by an air conditioning system during the summer season and dividing it by the quantity of electricity that is used. An air conditioner with a high SEER score is more efficient and will help you reduce the total cost of your electricity bill. An average central air conditioning system will feature a SEER rating that varies from 13 to 21.
3.) Caulk the Windows & Doors
Buying a new energy-efficient air conditioner will not reduce your electricity bills if you have leaks near your doors and windows. To confirm if you are losing cold air, go to your backyard and hold your hand near the edge of your windows. If you notice a burst of cold air near your windows, this is a sign of an air leak. An effective way to fix the leak is to add caulk near the edges of your windows and doors. You should also consider investing in glass films and solar screens to obstruct solar energy.
Tips & Insights: Advantages & Disadvantages of Air & Ground-Source Heat Pumps
4.) Perform Maintenance
A trained professional can conduct a tune-up of your air conditioner to remove dirt, recharge refrigerant, and tighten loose bolts. Besides extending the life of your unit and lowering the risk of repair, conducting continuous maintenance will help reduce your air conditioner electricity bills each summer.
5.) Install an Air Cleaner
Air cleaners range from simple filters to UV germicidal lights, designed to improve the quality of the air and cut down on dust and dirt. Besides keeping your house cleaner and reducing the risk of a summer cold, an air disinfectant system will help the air conditioner do its job more effectively: lowering the amount of dirt it accrues and keeping it functioning at top capacity.
6.) Buy a Programmable Thermostat
An easy way to reduce your electric bills is to invest in a programmable thermostat. This type of thermostat is designed to automatically increase the temperature in your house while you are at work, school, or vacation. Once a programmable thermostat detects you are home, it is engineered to decrease the temperature to a cold and comfortable setting. To reduce your air conditioner electricity bills, we recommend keeping the difference between the outdoor and indoor air in your home to a minimum. In addition, adjust the temperature on your thermostat from 72 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit to save a couple of dollars each month.
If you’re interested in saving money on cooling bills this summer and need some expert advice, give our team a call by phone at (484) 206-8594 to receive support. Our team of licensed HVAC technicians provide heating and cooling services for central air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, and ductless split systems. The staff at WM Henderson has been providing plumbing and HVAC services to households in West Chester and other areas of Pennsylvania since 1977. We offer dependable and fast heating and air conditioning services in areas such as Chester County, Delaware County, and the Main Line. WM Henderson offers trusted HVAC and plumbing services in Conshohocken, Coatesville, Broomall, West Chester, and other areas of Pennsylvania.
Tips & Insights: How Does a Radiant Floor Heating System Work?