Summer is quickly approaching and one of the most important things that every homeowner uses during the summer is their air conditioner.
Sadly, energy costs in Southern California often “go through the roof” during the summer because most people rely on their air conditioners to keep their homes cool.
Thankfully, every homeowner can lower their energy costs, save money, and make their lives easier by following these simple tips:
Choose A Programmable Thermostat
One of the very best things you can do that will make your life easier and save you money this summer is to choose a programmable thermostat.
You are probably wondering “how will a programmable thermostat save me money?”.
The answer to this question is simple.
Programmable thermostats “remember” your temperature settings and will adjust the temperature in your home during the day based on those settings.
This means that instead of everyone in your house turning the air conditioner on or off during the day when it gets too hot or cold, your programmable thermostat will always have the thermostat set at the best “optimal” temperature.
Another benefit that comes from choosing a programmable thermostat is that they also connect to Wi-Fi so you can easily set the temperature while you’re away and have your home at the desired temperature when you return.
Use Your Air Conditioner Less
One important thing that most people don’t know about air conditioners is that they use more energy as they are starting up.
If you set your thermostat to 80°F during the summer months, instead of 68°F like some people, your air conditioner may only turn on once during the day instead of multiple times when it’s set to a lower temperature.
Once the sun goes down, you should then set your thermostat to 74°F because it will take your house less time to cool down from the heat of the day especially if you circulate the air inside your home with a fan.
Change Your Air Filter
Another helpful thing you can do to save money on energy costs this summer is to change your air conditioner's air filter at the beginning and end of summer.
This will help with efficiency and guarantee that your A/C will be functioning normally during a hot summer or those warm fall days that we sometimes enjoy in November.
Consider Purchasing an Energy Star Rated Air Conditioner
Has it been a while since you purchased a new air conditioner for your home? You should consider buying an Energy Star-rated air conditioner.
These units have been tested and are proven to save money compared to older models which are not energy star tested.
Be Prepared for The Summer Heat
Besides the “hacks” mentioned in this article, some of the other things you can do to save money and make your life easier this summer include:
- Close your window coverings before leaving your home for the day. This will keep your home from heating up and your air conditioner from working harder to cool it down.
- Place indoor plants near windows since they will help to absorb any heat that does make it into your home from the window.
- Unplug electronics when they are not in use.
- Cut down on cooking during the summer months or start cooking meals in bulk on weekends and freezing those meals for the week to come.
Get an Air Conditioner Check-Up
Has it been a while since your last air conditioner checkup? Contact Air Care Heating & Air Conditioning by calling us at (949) 482-2911 or click here to connect with us online.
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