Great Tips For Lowering Your Summer Electric Bills
Cooling your home during summer takes a considerable amount of energy. You might be surprised by how much of your bills come from just using your air conditioner. Did you know that in the U.S. air conditioning accounts for about 12% of energy expenditure? In hot-dry climates like Dallas-Fort Worth, TX it’s actually somewhere closer to 17%!
The HVAC experts at billyGO know a lot about air conditioners. We have a few ideas we’d like to share on how to save a bundle while getting the most out of your A/C. What you choose to do with those savings is entirely up to you!
Change Your Air Filters
Air Filters prevent dirt, dust, and debris from circulating throughout your home. This nasty business does more than negatively affect the air quality and make your sinuses act up. Dirty, clogged air filters actually can have a drastic effect on the performance and power draw of your A/C system.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a clean air filter can lower the energy usage from your A/C unit by as much as 15%! We recommend you check and replace 1″ filters every 60 days. Air filters 4″ thick should be replaced every 4-6 months.
Get a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are more than just cool-looking future tech. They boast some great features that manage your air conditioning system far more optimally than the boring beige boxes of the past. Smart thermostats can put a big dent in your energy bill. Digital Trends estimates energy savings by as much as 10%.
Much of these savings are attributed to the smart thermostat’s ability to predict when you are home and when you are away. Additionally, smart thermostats take local weather conditions into account so they can automatically adjust to a desirable temperature.
Cover your Windows
Blinds, curtains, and shades are very effective at lowering your home’s temperature. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 76% of all sunlight that enters your double-pane windows becomes heat. For this reason, we recommend keeping the windows facing the sun covered in the summertime.
By strategically covering your windows you’ll put less strain on your air conditioner. This results in higher efficiency, lower monthly bills, and prolonging the life of your air conditioning unit.
Get regular Professional A/C Tune-Up
Regular service is important to maintaining the longevity of your air conditioner. There are several components of an A/C unit that need regular maintenance to perform optimally.
At billyGO, to make sure your air conditioner is running as well as it possibly can, our licensed A/C professionals clean your air conditioning unit thoroughly. Our technicians test each component, as well as inspect the wiring and energy output. We also ensure the unit has the right amount of refrigerant, and test the cooling performance.
The licensed and NATE-certified HVAC professionals provide A/C tune-ups, repairs, and installation services to the Dallas-Fort Worth community. We are available 24/7, even in emergencies to ensure your home stays cool and comfortable all summer long. Schedule an appointment online today!
