Since summer is just around the corner, now is time to come up with some money-saving strategies on how you can cope with the scorching St. Louis summer heat while still reducing air conditioner costs. With things like global warming becoming more apparent and more felt in recent years, you can expect the heat index to soar this summer, so it is important to have a plan to beat the heat without breaking your bank!
Most people equate the summer months with high air conditioner costs as air conditioners are working round-the-clock to provide colder temperatures. However, this need not be the case. By following these tips, you can save money and not spend a fortune on utility bills. It is time to cool down and enjoy the nice weather that summer brings!
- Use a programmable thermostat: To save on air conditioner costs, program your thermostat to turn up the temperature when people are about to leave the house to go to work or school. You can also program it to raise the temperature 30 minutes after you usually go to bed. You will be surprised at how little cooling your body requires as compared to when you’re awake.
- Use a fan to accompany your air conditioner: An air conditioner and fan combo works wonders if the heat becomes too much to bear. Having a fan in the rooms you use most often including your living room and bedroom will make you feel cooler, which can reduce the load of the air conditioner, resulting in lower air conditioner costs.
- Open your windows and let the air in: Once temperatures start to drop at night, save on air conditioner costs by turning off your AC and opening your windows wide to let the air in. Turn on your whole-house fan to allow the air circulate all throughout the house. Once morning comes and you start to feel the heat, close your windows, and turn on your unit.
- Use energy-efficient window treatments: Add highly reflective blinds or heavy curtains to rooms that have wide windows to avoid direct sunlight on hot days. You can also shade your windows from the outside by installing awnings or using overhangs in order to reduce the heat coming in. This can save you as much as 20% on your air conditioner costs.
- Cook and bake during cooler hours: The heat generated while cooking from the stove or using the oven can also put a lot of load on your air conditioner. Avoid cooking and baking when it’s already hot, or better yet, if you have a gas barbecue grill you can cook and grill your food outside.
- Change your light bulbs: Incandescent bulbs produce heat while providing light, and can increase the temperature of a room. Replace incandescent bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs to save on air conditioner costs.
- Check the ductwork: Sealing leaks and tightening connections throughout your ductwork can ensure that cooled air moves more efficiently through your home. In order to improve the cooling efficiency of your ductwork the most, this best be done by a professional heating and cooling company in St. Louis.
Lower Your Air Conditioner Costs with the Help of Galmiche & Sons
To learn what you can do to save more on your air conditioner costs, consult with an HVAC professional from Galmiche & Sons. With our help, you will no longer have to suffer from huge heating and air conditioning costs this summer. Call us at 314-993-1110 to find out how and to schedule your appointment!
