Summer is here, but that doesn’t mean you need to pay outrageous energy prices just because air conditioners take up so much power. Here are some tips and tricks to save on air conditioning costs this summer in Texas:
1. Get your air conditioning system serviced
The longer you go without having your air conditioning system serviced, the worse it will work when you need it. For example, most service calls for AC repair in Dallas are because of dirty air filters and the need for a freon recharge, both of which can be fixed by a professional HVAC technician. It makes sense to have an expert look at your system and make any hard-to-spot repairs. Not only will this save you time in the long run, but it will also save you money when the temperatures start to rise.
2. Insulate your walls and attics
The best way to keep the cool air in and the hot air out is to properly insulate your walls and attic. Not only will you lower your energy bills, but you will also significantly lower the temperature inside your home. By putting in attic fans that are soundproofed, you can also reduce outside noises. Installing drapes on windows can help by blocking out excess heat that enters through windows.
3. Install a programmable thermostat
One of the best things about modern thermostats is their ability to be programmed. This means that you can operate the air conditioner yourself, so you can set it to cool down just when you want. In addition, you can use a programmable thermostat to control the heat in your home as well. The great thing about both is that they are simple solutions that are easy to implement and very affordable compared to installing an entire central unit.
4. Use ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are an excellent way to keep cool without running an air conditioner. They help circulate air around the room, which will cool it down. This also helps prevent moisture buildup on your floors and in your walls, which drive up heating bills even more.
5. Double-check your windows
You should double-check your windows to ensure that they are all functioning correctly. When you have a draft, it can drive up to 20 percent more energy costs.
6. Keep your under-floor insulation in good condition
Under-floor insulation is essential for keeping heat from escaping through your floors. Regular inspection of your insulation is also crucial so you can identify any problems before they become more significant. A professional can come out and inspect the entire floor, including what lies underneath it, to see any areas where leaks could occur.
7 . Make some easy adjustments
To make things easier on your air conditioning unit, you should set your thermostat no higher than 80 degrees and no lower than 68 degrees. Additionally, it is advised that you turn off your central air conditioner at night when the temperatures are cooler. It is also a good idea to ensure that your doors are properly shut. All of these simple things will help to keep your air conditioning unit running at peak efficiency.
8. Install awnings
Installing awnings on windows can help block out the excess sun that comes in through your windows, which helps lower the temperatures inside your home. Awnings can be as simple or elaborate as you want them to be, but they are one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to cool down your home this summer.
9. Avoid cooking indoors
It might be tempting to use your air-conditioning system to cool down your kitchen, but this causes it to run even harder than it otherwise needs to. What is more, cooking inside will result in steam rising from the food and eventually condensing on walls or ceilings, which again increases your home’s temperature. It is better to avoid cooking indoors for the sake of both lowering your energy bills and improving the quality of your air conditioning system.
10. Install solar panels
If you like the idea of solar power and want to be self-reliant, then solar panels are a good bet. Solar energy can be used to power just about everything, up to and including your air conditioning system. You can even use solar energy to power your entire home in some cases. If you want an ecologically friendly way to lower your energy bills this summer, this is worth looking into.
