7 Ways to Lower Your Energy Costs This Summer

Every homeowner knows that in the summer, his or her electricity bills usually get considerably higher. For many areas, summer causes a higher energy demand, which leads to an increase in the market price. More importantly, we tend to use more electricity during this time of year, especially because it is hotter outside, the kids are on vacation, and if you have a pool, it is probably in constant use.

Four Seasons Air Specialists, your trusted HVAC company in Lino Lakes MN, offers you tips on how to lessen your energy costs this summer.

Use your thermostat wisely.

The Department of Energy states that setting your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer can lower your energy costs by as much as 10 percent per year. If this temperature is a little too warm for you, you can lower it further to get your desired comfort level. But keep in mind that for every degree you lift your thermostat above 72 degrees, you can save up to 3 percent of your cooling costs.

You can upgrade to a smart thermostat, which has the ability to discern your schedule and preferences and ensure the room is set to your comfort level when you get home. This means that it turns off your air conditioner when nobody’s home, which effectively saves energy. Also, a smart thermostat can detect a dirty filter and will let you know when it needs cleaning or replacement.

Be a fan of fans.

Getting a fan, particularly a ceiling fan is a small investment, but it can reduce your overall energy costs if used alongside your air conditioner. Fans help cool your home while allowing you to increase your thermostat setting by 4 degrees without compromising your comfort level. While fans don’t produce cool air, but they can help cool people in a room through the wind chill effect.

Open the windows.

During the cooler parts of the day, you can turn off the air conditioner and open the windows. You can actually use this method to naturally cool your home and only turn the AC on when it begins to be uncomfortably hot in your house. When using your cooling system, be sure to close the windows to keep the cool air indoors.

Improve your home’s insulation.

The idea is to keep as much of the cool air indoors as possible, so it’s good to check your home for leaks and poor insulation, especially in the attic. For best results, have a professional energy audit in which qualified technicians use infrared heat mapping to locate your home’s leaky parts. With improved insulation, you can keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, saving you a substantial amount of money in energy.

Clean your filters regularly.

Your air filters collect dirt and debris, keeping them from being circulated in your home and getting into your HVAC system’s internal parts. Running your air conditioner with clogged filters does not only compromise its efficiency, but it also can lead to serious damage to the unit. You don’t want your system to die on you during the heat of summer! It is recommended that filters are cleaned or replaced at least once per month.

A clean filter gives you fresh, clean air, and a better performing air conditioner. By making sure your system runs with a clean filter, you’re saving as much as 15 percent on your monthly energy costs.

As much as possible, stay on your home’s lowest floor.

If you have a home with multiple levels, consider spending most of your times on the lowest floor. This is because heat naturally rises, making the rooms on the upper floors much warmer. There are even days when you don’t even have to turn your AC on and choose to open the windows instead.

Get your AC tuned up.

Professional maintenance ensures your air conditioner works at peak efficiency. The tune-up includes system cleaning, lubricating, refrigerant checking and filling (if needed) and other preventive maintenance steps.

Ask the Authority in Home Cooling

The summer of 2019 may be a hot one, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Call Four Seasons Air Specialists to have your cooling system properly maintained. We are your dependable Centerville AC maintenance company.