As the summer heat intensifies, the desire for a cool, comfortable home becomes a priority. But the prospect of soaring AC bills can take the chill out of your comfort.
At Wright’s Air, we’re all about blending comfort with cost-effectiveness. That’s why we’ve put together a set of tips to help you manage your air conditioning expenses in Greenville, TX, this summer. Let’s dive in and discover how to stay cool without emptying your pockets.
Make Friends with Fans
Floor and ceiling fans can be your best allies in the fight against the summer heat. They circulate a refreshing breeze throughout your home and create a wind-chill effect, making you feel up to 4 degrees cooler. By strategically positioning fans around your home, you can reduce your reliance on AC and energy costs.
Fans also aid in evaporating sweat from your skin. By leveraging our bodies’ natural evaporative cooling process, you can make your home feel cooler than it actually is.
Preventative Maintenance Is Key
There’s nothing more disappointing than a blast of warm air when you switch on your AC. Your AC system remains inactive during the cooler months, making it prone to malfunctions just when you need it most.
To prevent this, schedule a maintenance check with our skilled technicians to ensure your AC runs at peak efficiency. We’ll ensure your AC is in top shape, addressing potential issues and saving you from expensive emergency repairs during the peak season.
Another important step (one you can even do yourself) is to trim the foliage around your outdoor unit to prevent it from obstructing the air intake. Regular pruning of your trees and plants will help prevent leaves, twigs, and other debris from entering the condenser.
Draw the Curtains
Your window coverings can play a significant role in maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. About 30% of your home’s cooling energy is lost through the windows as sunlight enters as heat.
Close blinds and curtains during the day to block out sunlight and prevent excess heat from entering your home. This simple step effectively lowers the temperature and reduces the workload on your AC unit.
Using solar screens can have an even more significant effect on your home’s efficiency. These specially coated shades will block UV rays from the sun even when your windows are open!
Master the Art of Thermostat Settings
Tweaking your thermostat can help you find the sweet spot between comfort and energy savings.
When you’re out of the house for an extended period of time, you should set your thermostat to around 78 degrees. Upon returning, adjust it to a comfortable temperature, but try to keep it above 74 degrees to avoid putting excessive strain on your electric bill while keeping your home cool and comfortable.
If you find it challenging to remember to adjust your thermostat, we recommend upgrading to a programmable thermostat. These devices can be set according to a schedule, so your home’s temperature is automatically adjusted.
Another helpful tip is to set the AC fan speed on high when the humidity is low and set the fan to low when the humidity is high. While it seems counter-intuitive, the slower fan speed will do a better job removing moisture from the air, ultimately cooling your home better.
Avoid Using the Oven and Stove
More than just the summer weather outside affects your home’s temperature. Internal heat sources such as stoves and ovens can add to your air conditioner’s workload.
To alleviate this strain, consider adjusting your routine to use these appliances during cooler nighttime hours. If you can “cook out” on the grill, you can eliminate extra heat in the kitchen.
When using the stove or oven, always use the kitchen exhaust fan after cooking to swiftly remove excess heat and odors.
Think About Upgrading Your AC
An aging AC unit might be the unseen culprit behind your hefty energy bills. If your unit is approaching a decade of service or showing signs of wear and tear, it may be time to consider a replacement.
Modern AC units are designed with energy efficiency and superior cooling in mind, leading to significant savings over time. Often, the cost of a new system can be recovered in energy savings over the unit’s lifespan.
The popularity of ductless AC units as an alternative to central air systems is growing. Since inefficient ductwork is often the cause behind the reduced efficiency of central AC systems, a ductless unit can often reduce energy costs by 50% to 60%.
Final Thoughts
Adopting these simple yet effective strategies lets you enjoy a cool, comfortable summer without worrying about high AC costs. At Wright’s Air, we’re here to help with all your air conditioning needs in Greenville, TX. Contact our team today at (903) 455-5662 to book an appointment with our experienced professionals.
Here’s to a cool, cost-effective, and refreshing summer indoors!