As Summer has finally arrived, we thought it would be a good time to start talking about how you can keep your home cool through the summer. This week we will be giving you tips on how to stay cool without spending a lot of money.
Smart Ways to Save on the
AC
-
Have maintenance
performed on your cooling system every year. According to Goodway.com, units
with dirty coils, "use 37 percent more energy than those with clean
coils," and reduce cooling capacity as much as 30 percent. A
less-efficient system is harmful to the environment and raises utility costs. Dirty coils can also cause premature
failure on parts and shorten the life of the entire unit.
- Set the thermostat at 70° to 75°F
when you're home, 76 - 80°F when you're not; don't turn it off completely
before leaving the house (it can cost more to cool the house back down
once it overheats).
- Position
electric devices
like lamps, TVs, or computers at least a few feet away from your AC
thermostat. Reason: The AC can sense heat from these appliances, which can
cause it to run longer than necessary.
- Know
when to upgrade.
In terms of energy use, you may want to consider a new AC if yours is more
than 10 or 12 years old — and definitely if it's not cooling as well as it
used to — to shave up to 30% off your bill.
Haven't had a maintenance performed on you cooling system yet?
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