Air conditioning exists to keep you cool. But, if your energy bill starts rising faster than the temperatures in mid-June, it can make you sweat. Because life without AC just isn’t realistic for St. Louis residents, there’s only one solution: maximize your system’s energy efficiency.
This article explains several different tips and tactics that help reduce air conditioning costs and optimize performance without sacrificing comfort.
1. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Energy efficiency starts with your system. Before you change any of your daily habits to reduce your electric bill, it’s crucial to ensure your AC is operating at full capacity. Specific components of your system impact performance, and when you neglect regular maintenance, problems can add up quickly.
Some of the most common efficiency killers, such as clogged filters, refrigerant leaks, dirty coils, thermostat issues, and ductwork leaks, can all be avoided with regular maintenance. If you can’t recall the last time you had your AC system serviced, a Hoock’s technician can perform the necessary cleaning protocols that not only maximize performance and energy efficiency but also give you peace of mind.
2. Optimize Airflow
By evenly distributing cool air throughout your space, you’ll enjoy consistent comfort throughout your home and reduce the strain on your AC. In addition, airflow optimization protects critical system components like the compressor and fan motor from prematurely wearing down.
In most cases, simple (and inexpensive!) adjustments are all that’s necessary to improve airflow in your home. Keep vents free and clear of any furniture or curtains, adjust the air vents to propel cool air in the right direction, and replace your air filters regularly. Additionally, if you’re cooling a three-season room or garage space, consider ductless systems that cool detached rooms more effectively.
3. Use a Programmable Thermostat
One of the most common energy-wasting practices is cooling an empty house. If you keep your home at a comfortable 70 degrees all day, every day, you could be spending hundreds of dollars more than you should on energy costs annually. Smart, or programmable, thermostats are the solution.
Today’s technology gives individuals complete control over their AC use anytime, anywhere. Smart thermostats allow you to give your system a break while you’re in the office or on vacation, which reduces your monthly bill and increases your system’s longevity. Many thermostats even provide climate control capabilities from your smartphone, so you’ll never be stuck wondering if you turned the AC up before heading to the airport!
4. Consider Your Home’s Insulation
Insulation gets a lot of attention when it comes to heating your home, but the same philosophy applies to keeping it cool. When cool air escapes through your home’s walls, ceilings, and windows, your system must work extra hard to maintain the desired temperature.
If you notice that your home’s temperature fluctuates dramatically throughout the day or your system kicks on more than it should, it may be time to upgrade your insulation.
5. Review Your Home’s Ventilation
Ventilation plays a major role in regulating your home’s temperature, especially during warmer months. Proper ventilation lets hot air escape and reduces humidity levels, meaning your system won’t have to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature.
To improve ventilation in your home, consider installing (or using, if already installed) exhaust fans in areas prone to moisture buildup, like kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, running ceiling fans on a low setting can prevent hot air from rising and collecting near the ceiling. Additionally, the “wind chill” effect will help keep you cool. This small, cost-effective tactic can help reduce your home’s overall energy consumption while improving comfort.
Hoock’s Heating & Cooling Keeps You Comfortable All Summer Long
Your home should be a cool, comfortable sanctuary during hot, humid Midwest summers. If you’ve experienced the internal battle between turning the thermostat down and saving money, consider option three: ensure your system is operating as efficiently as possible.
Hoock’s Heating & Cooling helps St. Louis area homeowners optimize their HVAC system’s performance and longevity. Get in touch with one of our experts today by calling (636) 266-2187, or contact us online, and experience the highest standard in home comfort this summer.