There are times when you’ll need to have your air conditioning unit on during the day, sometimes it simply gets too hot and nothing else will sufficiently cool you down. But, if you have your AC on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, your energy bills will soon add up. There are ways to save money on your air con this summer, here are a few tips to help you reduce your utility bills.
Curtains & Blinds
During the day when the temperature starts to rise and you need relief from the sun, you don’t have to turn to your air conditioning for large portions of the day. Leaving your air conditioning unit on for long periods will have an impact on your energy bills, they’ll gradually increase, and you’ll be faced with an added expense that you don’t want. One way of becoming less dependent on your AC is to use curtains and blinds. Once drawn they’ll help to keep out the sun’s rays and your room will stay cooler. You can also use these features in unison, turn on the air con until the room is at an adequate temperature, then turn it off and allow your window covers to retain the cool air. The cooler the air in your home, the less you’ll need your AC.
Maintenance
During the warm summer months, you’ll really need your air con to keep you cool and regulate the temperature throughout your home. It is important to focus on HVAC maintenance during this period, a well-maintained unit will drastically reduce your utility bills. It is advisable to schedule a service at least once a year to ensure your system is working correctly. An efficient air conditioning unit saves you money, a skilled technician is needed to keep your system in excellent working order. Regular maintenance will prevent your AC from experiencing any problems, if you don’t properly maintain your unit, you could experience regular breakdowns which will cost you money to have repaired.
Assess the Position of the Thermostat
Where you place your thermostat is often overlooked by many homeowners, there are several things that can affect its temperature reading such as:
- Direct sunlight, which shines onto the unit.
- The thermostat is placed next to a lamp or a TV, major electronic devices give off a considerable amount of heat.
Have a look at your thermostat, if it’s exposed to direct sunlight, or you have it placed next to a large electronic device, think about relocating the unit. If it is in a neutral setting, it will give off a more accurate reading. This means your AC will only turn on when required, saving you money.
One of the best ways to save money on your AC system is to have it regularly serviced by a professional technician. They’ll be able to keep it in excellent working order, ensuring it operates efficiently, saving you a lot of money on monthly utility bills. You should also consider the position of your thermostat and use your window covers.
