As you know this summer has been hot. Extremely hot. Therefore the reliance on your air conditioner is very high if you want to stay comfortable. We have a few useful tips to save you money on your energy bill when using your AC.
To optimize your cooling, make sure that the AC vents are not blocked or covered by curtains or drapes. Keeping the vents clean of dust and debris is also very helpful. Changing your filters at least once a month is a must, especially if you have pets.
In the summer, using fans in combination with your air conditioner can better help circulate air to keep the temperature constant. Another great addition to this is reversing the fans to pull air up rather than push down. It helps create a wind chill effect improving circulation.
If you don't have a programmable thermostat, we recommend that you have one installed. You can set the air conditioner temperature to a comfortable setting while you're at home and a higher one while you're away. You can save substantial energy raising the temperature 4 degrees when not home.
Drapes, curtains, and shades can also be a great help to keep the heat out. Make sure to cover the windows with your treatments to block direct sunlight from entering the house.
Weatherizing your home against air leaks is another fantastic tool. Make sure to use caulk and weather strip on doors and windows where air is can pass through. Feel for warm air blowing in around windows and doors. Also, turn off exhaust fans and any electrical products not in use. Electronics such as TV's and computers can cause a substantial increase in heat.
Finally, check to see that your air conditioning system is up to date and that it's energy certified with such credentials as Energy Star and SEER. If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old you should probably consider getting it replaced with a new one. A new air conditioner can save you up to 45% of the energy compared an older one.