How Can I Reduce Energy Costs When Using the AC?

HVAC

Running your home air conditioner can account for almost half of your home’s energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

If you plan on using your air conditioning unit regularly this summer, continue reading to learn how you can reduce energy costs. Contact us today if you would like to learn even more about using your AC in a way that saves you money.

Our HVAC contractors want you to feel informed when using your air conditioning unit. To request air conditioning repair or service, call our HVAC contractors in Greenville, Belding, and Livonia.

A few ways you can lower your electric bill in the summer are:

Cover windows with solar screens.
Close blinds and curtains.
Cook as little as possible.
Run fans to create wind chill.
Increase the thermostat temperature.

Cover Windows with Solar Screens

East and west-facing windows receive the most sunlight (and heat) during the day. For this reason, you may be interested in placing solar screens over those windows to reduce how much your home is heated by the sun. Solar screens are usually placed over the exterior of your windows, which gives you the freedom to open your windows on the occasional cool summer day. Our HVAC contractors can answer any questions you have about your air conditioner and how it affects your home’s energy efficiency.

Close the Blinds and Curtains

Don’t have solar screens? No problem. Simply close your blinds and curtains when you expect the temperature to be especially high. A lot of heat is held in the sun’s rays. Closing your blinds and curtains helps keep this heat out so your family can stay as cool as possible. When you try to keep your home as cool as possible, you reduce the burden placed on your air conditioning unit.

Cook as Little as Possible

During the really hot days of summer, we recommend that you refrain from using the stovetop or oven to cook. When you use these kitchen appliances, the temperature in your home can rise a few degrees. If you still want to use the stovetop for boiling water, be sure to turn on the fan over your stove to suck up the steam and reduce house humidity levels.

If you have continued problems with humidity in your home, call one of our HVAC contractors to see if your air conditioning unit is running efficiently. You may also be interested in installing a bathroom fan if your home gets humid after baths and showers. Your air conditioning unit will also help remove humidity from the air.

Run Fans to Create Wind Chill

The key to maintaining a cool home during the summer is taking advantage of air circulation when you’re not using your air conditioner. When air moves through your home, it can help you cool off by evaporating the sweat from your skin.

If you live in a two-story house, we recommend you open windows on the first floor and use fans on the second floor to move cool air through your home. For one-story homes, you should open the windows and place fans on the opposite sides of the house or apartment.

Increase the Thermostat Temperature

If you are not in your home for long periods of time, you may want to increase the temperature of your house while you’re gone. If there’s no one at home, there’s no point in running the air conditioner at full capacity. You can also increase the temperature setting on your thermostat if it gets cool during the night. Thermostat temperature settings can make a big difference toward using air conditioners efficiently.

Using your thermostat more smartly will help you save money on your next energy bill and help your air conditioning system run a little more efficiently. According to the Department of Energy, you can shave off approximately 5% to 15% of what you would normally pay for cooling by increasing the temperature of your home while you’re gone.

Call Today

Our air conditioner contractors in Greenville, Belding, and Livonia work hard to earn your business. To request an estimate for AC service or repair, call Parker-Arntz Plumbing & Heating, Inc. today!

This blog post has been updated.