Saving money every day is important, but it feels even more important in 2020. Whether it’s job loss or the rising cost of groceries, this year has been filled with plenty of economic challenges. It just makes sense to try to reduce spending wherever we can, which is why we’re sharing five ways to lower your air conditioner costs this summer.
If you live in Richmond, you already know that an air conditioner is pretty much the only way to make your home comfortable during the summer. The problem is that running your cooling system all day can become expensive very quickly. We hope you’ll be able to put our tips to good use!
New Air Filters
We know, we know. We sound like a broken record, but it’s true — changing your air filter can make a huge impact on the overall performance of your HVAC system. When filters get clogged up with dust, allergens, and other particles, air flow will be restricted.
Along with dramatically improving air quality, changing your air filter regularly comes with financial benefits. Allowing your cooling system to run free from obstruction means it will work more efficiently, thereby reducing energy costs. Additionally, when your HVAC unit doesn’t have to work as hard, it reduces wear and tear, which could prolong its life.
Programmable Thermostat
The weather can change very quickly in Richmond, and you might find yourself adjusting your air conditioner throughout the day. After things have cooled down overnight, you might turn down the thermostat in the morning, only to return home to a sauna after work. When you control the temperature manually, these types of things happen all the time.
Using a programmable thermostat makes things more efficient. You can choose settings based on when you’ll need cooling in your home. If you add zoning, you can control where that chilled air is directed. Why waste money air conditioning empty rooms?
New Window Coverings
Sunlight is a great and natural way to brighten your home, but if you have it streaming through your windows all day, it can heat things up, too! As such, you want to be mindful of sun exposure, especially during the peak hours between noon and 3pm every day.
Along those lines, you should also consider changing up your window coverings to help keep your home cool during the summer. There are blinds, shades, and curtains specifically designed to block heat generated by the sun so that you won’t have to rely as much on your air conditioner.
Clean Your Vents
You’ve changed your air filter and set up your programmable thermostat — so why does your home feel like an inferno? If you can hear your air conditioner coming on, but you don’t feel cool air coming from your registers, it’s entirely possible that your ventilation system needs cleaning.
If debris collects and settles inside of your air ducts, air flow will be restricted. When cooled air can’t circulate freely, your HVAC system is running for nothing. While you can wipe down the registers and vacuum inside your vents, having your air ducts professionally cleaned can make a huge difference.
Cook Outside
There’s a reason why we tend to eat comfort foods like stew or roasts in the wintertime — they heat up our bodies and our homes! Using the stove and/or oven to prepare meals generates a lot of heat, so if you can avoid baking and boiling on the hottest days, your home will stay cooler.
Using small appliances such as a slow cooker, InstaPot, microwave, or toaster oven won’t add much warmth to your kitchen as you prepare food. Another perfect option for summertime is to cook on the grill! You’ll make tasty meals and leave all the heat outdoors!
Other Ways to Lower Your Air Conditioner Bills
If you implement any of the strategies we’ve already discussed, you should definitely see your energy costs coming down. Here are some other things you can do to save money on air conditioning:
- Upgrade to energy-efficient windows.
- Seal leaks and cracks in your doors and windows.
- Use ceiling fans to reduce the burden on your cooling system.
- Insulate your walls, flooring, and attic.
- Have your air conditioner maintained regularly.
Air Conditioner Experts in Richmond
For more than 75 years, we’ve proudly served customers in the Greater Richmond Region. We hire only NATE-certified technicians and offer a no-risk, free consultation to ensure you receive the very best service.
We know what it takes to keep a home comfortable and cool while saving money during our hot Virginia summers, and we’d be happy to help you find solutions that meet your needs. Give W.G. Speeks a call today — we’re here to help!
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