We at Lebanon Heating & Cooling are back again with more money saving tips! We know how difficult it can be to resist cranking up the AC during the hot summer months in Ohio. So we put together a list of 10 ways to lower your home cooling costs without making temperatures uncomfortably hot!
- A Different way to Circulate
Because air circulation from ceiling fans creates a significant wind-chill, running your fans can bring your home’s air temperature down by up to 7 degrees! The combination of running ceiling fans and turning down your air conditioning can save you money and energy. Therefore, remember to raise your thermostat temperature (6 to 7 degrees more than your preferred temperature) and to turn those ceiling fans on!
- Shelter From the Sun
Because sunlight is an extremely powerful source of energy and heat, curtains and blinds are a lifesaver in the summer. By covering your windows during the day, you can help your air conditioning unit work more efficiently.
- Be Smart With Window Screens
While window coverings are effective, if you wish to avoid being the neighborhood vampire by shutting up your curtains and blinds during the summer, there is another option. If you have mesh window screens, then you can close the curtains or shades on the sunny side of the house, and keep them open on the shady side. Any stray light will be filtered by the mesh screens, protecting your home from the hot summer sun.
- Hot Air is not Welcome!
Just as cold air isn’t much help if it’s escaping through cracks in your home, hot air can easily be a nuisance when it finds its way into your home. All in all, any openings in your home decrease the efficiency of your cooling unit. By investing in caulking or by weather-stripping doors and windows in your home, you can keep the cold air in and the warm air out this summer!
- Refocus Your Priorities
If you or your family is focused on running your AC for optimal comfort, then you are probably wasting a lot of energy. By making saving money your priority, you can reconfigure your mentality when it comes to your cooling habits.. Your goal should be to keep your AC settings as close to outdoor temperatures as possible.
- Remember to Replace Air Filters
Because dirty air filters are the number one cause of inefficient HVAC systems and grime buildup is the greatest enemy of effective circulation, we recommend that you replace your indoor air filters at least once every 4 weeks to 3 months. Depending on the size and setup of your home, be sure to routinely check your air filter, especially during allergy season. Change the filter when you can’t see the material underneath the dirt buildup, or when you notice significant changes in your home’s air quality.
- Create a Summer Routine
Many household chores and activities require heat, including cooking, showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. By avoiding heat producing activities during the hot hours of the day, you can enable your AC unit to run more efficiently. So save hot and humid chores for the mornings or evenings. Additionally, if you know you’ll be out of the house for more than a couple hours, turn the temperature settings up in your home to allow a break for your HVAC unit. Being smart about your daily activity in relation to your HVAC settings can save you a lot more money than most people realize!
- Read Into the Condition of Your AC Unit
Even though AC replacement can be an expensive and often daunting task, it’s important that you do not put it off when it becomes necessary. If you or a professional has determined your AC unit has hit the end of its life, be sure to replace it with an energy efficient, highly rated system. While this investment seems expensive now, replacing outdated AC systems results in lower energy bills and greater comfort for you and your family!
- Consider Eco-Friendly Shade Trees
If you are more interested in long term investments, then shade trees are the answer for you! While saplings won’t make a difference when first planted, mature shade trees are extremely proficient at protecting homes from the sun. So if you’re willing to wait, then this option is very energy efficient. When planting your saplings, focus on targeting the east and west sides of your home, as well as your outdoor AC unit. By protecting these areas from the sun, you can significantly save money in the long run!
- Start off Right With Spring Maintenance
A certified HVAC technician can easily discover underlying issues that could prevent your cooling system from working efficiently in the summer. Even if there are no noticeable problems, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so schedule a maintenance visit today!
Lock in the Savings Today!
The best way to kickstart a season of savings is to schedule a spring check-up for your AC system. If you’re looking for a trustworthy HVAC company that does the job right every time, then you should call Lebanon Heating & Cooling today at (513) 540-1773, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!
