The arrival of summer means the heat is here as well. Every homeowner has probably already begun running the air conditioners, which lead to a more expensive utility bill. For those on a tight budget, when someone tells them they can actually reduce their utility bill, it sounds like a dream come true. In fact, there are ways to help save money when it comes to running your air conditioner this summer season. Today Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will share a few ways you can save money.
Upgrade to an HVAC with Higher SEER Rating
This is not the most feasible suggestion, but it must be said regardless. If your air conditioner is over 15 years old, you may want to consider replacing it with a new, more modern model. In recent development, HVAC systems are now designed to run more efficiently than the older models that were just designed to heat or cool down the home. In these models, efficiency was far from the engineers’ minds. However it is now on high demand to make HVAC units run more efficiently. If possible, you may want to save money to replace your older HVAC. In so doing, you can save almost 50% on your power bill each month by investing in a newer HVAC system.
HVAC Air Duct Inspection
Inspect your air duct system. Check for leaks or gaps. Older systems were taped together to seal them. After time, and in the heat, the tape can weaken and the air duct can begin to separate. When this occurs, much or your cooled air will leak. This causes your unit to work harder than necessary which can raise your utility bill by up to 30%. In turn, this will cost hundreds of dollar per year. At the start of the hot season is a good time to make sure you don’t have any leaks in your vents and air ducts. Also check inside your home. Look at windows and doorways and make they too are properly sealed where no indoor air would escape.
Replacing Old Thermostat With Programmable
Programmable thermostats are a great way to help save on energy usage. Older thermostats give you two options: on or off. For those who don’t want to return to a hot home and spend all night cooling it back down, they more often than not left their unit running while they were gone. By having a programmable thermostat you can program when the air temperature needs to adjust. This gives you the ability to save on your energy usage and your power bill.
Change Home Air Filter
Make sure to regularly replace your air filters inside your home. It may seem like a minor savings. However by keeping clean air filters, your air conditioning unit runs more efficiently with free flowing air. The more obstructions, the harder your unit will work to cool your home. Homes with pets and kids should have their filter changed once a month.
Keep Air Conditioner Condenser in Shade Out of Sunlight
Lastly, it helps to keep your air conditioner shaded and out of the sunlight. By keeping the air conditioner outside cooler, it doesn’t need to run the compressor as much to keep the interior operating systems cooled down. By shading your unit it can improve on its efficiency by 10%. This may not sound like a lot, but with the combined efforts of all of the above, you might be surprised how much money you can save each year. Plus you may be able to save another 10% a year on your cooling bills by setting your thermostat about 10 to 15 degrees higher for eight hours a day. The US Department of Energy recommends a temperature of 78 degrees when someone is home.
AC Maintenance, Inspections & More in Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
Efficiency is the number one rule in saving money when it comes to your HVAC system. If your unit is in need of inspection or it seems to be malfunctioning, contact Agape Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing. We can provide many services to fit your HVAC systems needs.
