About 43 percent of your home’s monthly utility bill is derived from heating and air conditioning your home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy; and as summer heats up, you can expect your energy bills to increase. However, there are a few simple ways to cut down your cooling costs.
Program Thermostat
Reduce your AC unit’s thermostat setting to about 26 degrees Celsius (or 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are at home. However, allow that temperature to rise at night or when you are away from home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save 5 to 15 percent on your air conditioning bills by increasing the temperature setting on your thermostat when you are away from home or don’t need cooling.
Clean Filters
Dirty air filters are the main reason of air conditioning breakdowns. Thus, you have to clean or change the unit’s furnace filters every month, especially during the summer, to allow for good air movement. Most air conditioning units today have a filter behind the air inlet grille that can be removed and washed. If it’s necessary to replace your old air conditioner with a newer unit, however, look for a unit with a high-energy-efficiency ratio (EER) or an Energy Star to reduce your energy costs in half, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Air conditioning units with higher EER rating are more efficient. Energy Star refers to a system adopted by the Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to identify those products that are energy-efficient.
Service Your Unit Once Per Year
A poorly maintained air conditioning unit uses more energy and has a shorter life. Central air conditioning compressors usually last up to 10 to 12 years, but regular and proper maintenance can extend that to 20 years, according to ConsumerReports.org. Hence, it is very important to have a professional clean, tune, and check controls and refrigerant levels on your AC unit at least once per year. If the refrigerant needs recharging, this correction could improve the efficiency of the unit. It is also important to perform DIY (do-it-yourself) maintenance once a year.
Fix Leaks in Air Conditioner Ducting
If your home is 10 years old or so, it probably has a well-sealed ducting. However, if you live in an older home, 10 percent to 40 percent of your cooling dollars is lost due to leaks in the duct joints, according to U.S. Environment Protection Agency. The cool air is wasted when the ducts run through your attic, or crawl basement or space. Seal ductwork with the use of metal tape or mastic sealant and then insulate all the ducts that can be easily accessed, such as those in garages, unfinished basements, crawl spaces, and attics. You should also ensure that connections at vents and registers are sealed properly where they meet ceilings, walls, and floors. Those are common areas to find leaks and disconnected ductwork.
