While much of the country is beginning to cool down with the first signs of autumn, Southern Californians often battle the heat for a few more months. This is great news for those who love the sunshine, but for those who are looking from a reprieve from the sky-high summer utility bills, it can be a bit frustrating.
To help ease the financial burden, we have compiled some tips to help you reduce the cost of using your air conditioning unit in the upcoming months.
Tips And Tricks For Reducing Air Conditioning Costs
Of course, we are proponents of long-term solutions for lowering energy usage, such as properly maintaining your HVAC system, ensuring ducts are properly sealed, and making home improvements to keep the cool air in. However, we also understand that our busy lifestyles often require some simple tricks to help along the way.
Set the thermostat one to two degrees warmer. By setting the temperature inside your home one to two degrees warmer when using the air conditioning unit, you will reduce your energy usage while still remaining comfortable. For each degree above 78, you can reduce your electric bill by up to 8%. Similarly, in the winter, try setting the thermostat one or two degrees cooler to save money on heating bills.
Adjust the thermostat when the house is not occupied. Many homes remain unused for the majority of the day, while the occupants are at work and school. Set the air conditioner’s thermostat four degrees warmer when you will be gone for four hours or more to save energy.
Install a programmable thermostat. Most of us have somewhat predictable schedules. By installing a programmable thermostat, your air conditioning system can automatically increase and lower in temperature depending on your family’s needs.
Use fans to circulate cool air. While fans do not actually reduce the temperature in the home, the movement of cool air can make it feel between four and six degrees cooler. This can help make up for the increased temperature you have decided to set on your thermostat.
Keep hot air and sun out. Making sure windows and doors are tightly closed can help reduce your energy use by keeping the cool air in and the hot air out. Additionally, closing the blinds will block the boiling sun from adding to your cooling costs.
If you’ve tried all the simple tricks and you still feel like your energy bills are higher than they used to be, it may be time for a professional HVAC inspection or AC repair service. Contact Just Right Services today at (949) 245-6320 to get trusted advice about your HVAC system.
