Households depend on cooling throughout the summer to stay comfortable and safe. It’s also a time when your electric bill can go up a lot. While modern AC systems are getting much more efficient, electricity rates continue to rise. Let’s explore how you can curb your energy bill without sacrificing your family’s comfort or health.
Schedule a Spring Cooling Tune-Up
The industry recommendation is to schedule annual cooling maintenance. The best time to schedule is early spring before the heat arrives. If you’re consistent, you will save more than you spend through lower operating costs, fewer repairs, and a longer system life. Most AC warranties also require it as a condition of coverage. A tune-up involves a multipoint inspection, a comprehensive cleaning, and correction of normal wear and tear.
One reason these steps are crucial is the condenser and evaporator coils that are integral to the refrigeration process. Grime builds up on these coils over time and insulates them. That interferes with the efficiency of the heat exchange. The AC has to run for longer periods, which uses more electricity and causes more wear.
Don’t Forget Your Ducts
The ducts of a central system may be out of sight but shouldn’t be out of mind. Schedule a duct camera inspection at least once every several years. Leaky ducts can cause a system to lose over 40% of the conditioned air it produces. That will have a dramatic effect on your bill.
Choose a Moderate Temperature
The Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. It’s the sweet spot between energy efficiency and keeping comfortable and safe. You may find that temperature uncomfortable. Use it as a starting point, and make 1-degree changes until you find what’s right. Be mindful that every degree lower than 78 can make a 1%-3% difference in your energy costs.
Improve Air Circulation in the Home
Better air circulation can help you feel more comfortable at a higher temperature. The air movement helps to distribute the cooling in the home more evenly. It also lowers humidity and can help through the wind-chill effect. Run your ceiling fans at the highest speeds and a counterclockwise rotation even in rooms you’re not using. In rooms without ceiling fans, consider high-volume air circulators.
Close Curtains and Blinds
Sunlight through a window can increase the temperature of a room by several degrees or more. Uses blinds, shades, curtains, and other window treatments to block as much sun as possible. When upgrading consider products like energy-efficient window films and solar shades.
Check Your Filter Regularly
Make sure you’re using an appropriate HVAC filter. Don’t exceed the MERV rating your AC supports, as that will restrict airflow. You also want to avoid a clogged filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow as well, which causes energy consumption to go up. For central systems, check filters at least once a month and replace or clean them as needed. For ductless systems, check filters every two weeks. Clean them as needed, and replace them annually.
Delay Heat-Producing Tasks
Avoid any activities in the home that generate excessive heat. Common culprits include washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. Run these at night whenever possible. You should also wait to run full rather than partial loads.
Avoid Peak Rates
Many electric companies charge peak rates to lower demand on the grid during critical periods. You should maintain your system at 78 degrees during these periods if at all possible. Lower temperatures can make a big difference in your bill.
Upgrade to a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
If you don’t yet have one, you should upgrade to a programmable thermostat at least and ideally a smart thermostat. Through scheduling alone, a thermostat can lower your cooling costs by up to 10%. There are rate-aware thermostats that can adjust automatically during peak periods. If your utility offers a demand response program, you’ll need a compatible smart thermostat. You should also consider a smart thermostat with energy monitoring. Such systems can help you determine when you’re being efficient and when you’re not.
Energy-Efficient HVAC Solutions in Frederick
Weather Masters Corp. is an award-winning HVAC company based in Frederick, MD. Our team helps area homeowners lower their energy bills in many ways. We install high-efficiency central AC, heat pumps, and ductless mini-split systems. Our technicians install ductwork, HVAC zoning, and smart thermostats. We also perform model-specific seasonal maintenance and precision repairs. Call today or contact us online to learn more about these services or schedule an appointment.
