We’ve all been there. It’s a scorching summer day, and you’re dying to crank up your home’s AC and embrace the chill. But, before you press any buttons on the thermostat, you think about how much this decision could cost you when your monthly energy bill arrives.
Summertime expenses can add up quickly between vacations, wedding season, and kids’ sports. Keeping the house cool can feel like a luxury you may have to pass up unless you’re willing to shell out some serious cash. If you’re familiar with this situation, we’ve got good news. There are several energy-saving steps you can take to ease the strain on your wallet while keeping your home at a comfortable temperature this summer.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Installing Energy Star-certified high-efficiency appliances is an excellent way to position yourself for long-term energy savings. These modernized systems use up to 15% less energy, meaning you’ll recoup your investment over time.
Hoock’s Heating & Cooling proudly offers St. Louis area residents exclusive access to American Standard systems, which incorporate the latest technology to deliver maximum energy efficiency. If you’ve noticed your energy bills have been higher in recent months and you haven’t changed your temperature-setting habits, it might be time to consider an upgrade to start taking advantage of future savings.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Everyone knows that cooling an empty home is costly, but remembering to adjust the thermostat each time you leave for an extended period of time is challenging. Programmable thermostats allow you to set your preferred temperature at various points throughout the day (and week), and many options give you total climate control from your smartphone.
By raising the average temperature of your home when you’re not there – whether it’s because you’re at work or on vacation – you can enjoy significant savings. Studies show that each degree set above 72 during the summertime can save you 3% on your cooling costs.
Even if you aren’t willing to budge on your comfort preferences when you’re at home, you can raise the average monthly temperature (therefore lowering your average monthly bill) by giving your AC a break when you’re out of the house.
Limit Your Use of Heat-Producing Appliances
The summer sun isn’t the only heat source raising the temperature in your home! Everyday appliances, like ovens, stovetops, and even incandescent bulbs, exacerbate the issue.
Let’s start with the lights. You’ve probably heard that LED lights are more energy efficient than their incandescent counterparts, but do they really have that much of an impact? To avoid getting overly scientific, consider this: for decades, the classic “Easy Bake Oven” used two 100-watt incandescent bulbs as the sole heat source. LED bulbs produce less than half the heat while maintaining the same brightness.
In addition to lighting, your oven and stovetop can raise your home’s temperature…even if they’re only in use for a short period of time. The next time you write out your weekly shopping list, consider incorporating meals you can cook on the grill.
Use Windows to Your Advantage
Everyone knows that keeping your windows open while the AC is running is a quick way to waste money. If this situation occurs, dad joke enthusiasts might say something like, “We’re not paying to cool the whole neighborhood!”
With that being said, putting a permanent lock on your windows throughout the summer isn’t optimal either. During cool mornings and evenings, letting outside air circulate throughout your home can help lower the temperature – no AC required!
In addition to opening and closing windows at the appropriate time, curtains can help keep direct sunlight from warming your interior. While at work or out of town, consider drawing the shades or closing the blinds to add an extra layer of insulation.
Maintenance Matters
Maximizing your system’s efficiency is the foundation of energy savings. If your AC has to work twice as hard as it should to cool your home, you’ll feel it when your bill arrives.
Routine maintenance allows your HVAC system to function at optimal capacity, which means less energy is required for the same output. Dirty or malfunctioning systems can cause sudden increases in energy usage, as they have to work harder to keep your home at the desired temperature. Additionally, the longer you put off routine maintenance, the greater your chances of experiencing costly damage.
The expert technicians at Hoock’s Heating & Cooling have the tools and training to keep your system performing at its best during the hottest summer stretches.
Contact Hoock’s Heating & Cooling to Schedule Your Consultation
Hoock’s Heating & Cooling has served St. Louis residents with trustworthy and affordable HVAC maintenance since 2017. We take your home’s comfort personally and pride ourselves on providing unparalleled customer service and communication every step of the way.
To schedule HVAC maintenance or installation or to request a consultation, contact a team member at (636) 266 – 2187 or contact us online.