How Can I Reduce My AC Bills in Summer?

June 04, 2021

Summer has arrived, and with it, the need to use your air conditioner more has arrived as well. However, while your energy costs are likely to go up over the next few months, increased AC usage shouldn’t require you to spend an arm and a leg. If you have ever wondered, “how can I reduce my AC bills in summer?”, get the answers you need here, from our licensed and certified experts at EnviroSafe.

The Top Ways to Decrease Your AC Costs This Summer

1. Turn Your Thermostat Up: You might expect that turning your thermostat down would be the right move in summer, given you’re going to want to do everything you can to beat the heat. However, because you are already going to be running your air conditioner more than normal, it is actually best to turn your thermostat setting up, thereby offsetting the costs of this increased AC usage. Keeping your thermostat at a stable 72 degrees will help maintain a stable, comfortable temperature throughout your household, without forcing you to spend unnecessary money on cooling costs. And with today’s modern, smart thermostats, it’s now easier to achieve the perfect household temperature than ever, with some models even adjusting automatically to fit your comfort preferences. Adjusting your thermostat in summer is also particularly important if you leave the house every day, speaking of which…
2. Keep Your AC Running When You Leave for the Day: Again, this advice probably sounds like the opposite of what you should do, and yet leaving your air conditioner on all day often saves you money in the long run. When you come back home after a long, hot day, and instantly crank your AC as low as it can go, your system has to work twice as hard in order to cool your entire home. That’s why it is best to let your air conditioner run at a reasonable temperature all day (like that 72 degree-mark we mentioned above) so your system does not overexert itself, and by the time you get home, your space will be as cool and comfortable as you want it to be.
3. Seal Up Openings to Lock in Temperatures: Every year, homeowners lose roughly 40% of the air that is conditioned by their HVAC system to cracks and holes. This adds up to a huge waste of money, which is why it is important to seal in temperatures as much as possible throughout your home. This starts with repairing any damaged areas and caulking up unwanted openings. You should also be weather-stripping your doors and windows, as well as checking that your windows are closed and locked at all times. A ton of air can escape through any given window simply because it is not properly closed, and when the sun is shining through, it can force your AC to work harder in that room too, so it is not a bad idea to draw your blinds wherever you can. And finally, it’s always a good idea to have your insulation inspected, especially if you have not had this done for a long time. Insulation can become damaged over the years for a myriad of reasons, from rodent infestations to leaks. Insulation in your attic and other parts of your home is a key part of locking in temperatures, so if you find that your insulation is no longer in good condition, you should replace it ASAP.
4. Install Ceiling Fans: At the height of summer, a ceiling fan on its own is not going to be very helpful when it comes to beating the heat. However, a well-placed ceiling fan working together with your air conditioner can actually reduce temperatures and increase airflow, so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard. This means you will be able to enjoy cooler temperatures without raising your energy bill. A ceiling fan is also a great choice for those days where the temperature is more moderate, or nights when it cools down significantly. And of course, an attractive ceiling fan can bring light and help improve aesthetic value in any room.
5. Don’t Forget to Call an AC Technician: The biggest mistake people make when they run their AC over the summer (or any other time of the year, for that matter) is neglecting to call a technician, even though they suspect something is wrong. At EnviroSafe, we highly suggest contacting our HVAC pros for standard AC maintenance at the beginning of the season, just to ensure your system remains energy-efficient over the months to come. If you do experience a problem, make sure to contact us right away to schedule air conditioning repair. We are even available 24/7 for emergencies, because we know that the longer you wait to deal with malfunctioning equipment, the worse it is likely to get. And if something goes wrong and you do need to install a new air conditioner, our technicians offer a number of cutting-edge replacement options, so you never have to go without a working cooling system for long.

To request air conditioning service, call now at (856) 208-5108, or click here to contact us online. And don’t forget to ask about available specials and membership plans!