May 16, 2019

Summers in North America can be hot and humid. Most people are not comfortable during the summer without an air conditioner. However, the downside to an AC unit is the cost. Unlike other home equipment, the AC usually costs a lot more to run and can significantly increase the electricity bill.

Here are some tips to save on energy and air conditioning costs:

Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can save you a lot of money during the summers when most people have peak usage of the air conditioner. The biggest advantage of a programmable thermostat is that the AC unit shuts itself off when you are not at home. Or if you are away, you can adjust the temperature so that the home will be cool when you return. The latest programmable thermostats are relatively inexpensive, and some can even be managed through your smartphone. This means that you can leave the machine off while you are away and then turn it on 30 minutes before you get home. To get the most out of your thermostat and AC, it is recommended that you set the temperature to a higher temperature when you are not at home and anywhere between 22-25 when you are indoors. This is because the lower you set the temperature, the higher the operating costs. This is a very effective strategy to not only manage the running of your air conditioner but also contain energy costs.

Replace your filters regularly: Another important strategy to lower your air conditioning bills is to replace your AC filter regularly. When these filters are clogged with debris, pet dander, and dust, the AC unit has to work a lot harder, and its efficiency is reduced. At the same time, the machine requires a lot more power to blow the air, which results in higher costs. In general, you should replace the AC filter every month during summer and every two months during winter. However, if you or any member of your family has any respiratory illness like asthma, it is best that you change the AC filter every month.

Close vents on the lower floors: Most homes in North America have basements which remain pretty cool even on warm days. There is no need to add extra cooling to these areas of your areas. It is best that you close the vents in these areas, so that the air is directed to the upper areas of the home. This way you can cool the portion that actually needs cooling and not waste that effort on areas that do not need it or that are not used.

Invest in a ceiling fan. A ceiling fan can circulate air and is a lot cheaper to operate compared to an air conditioner. If you have a small place or live alone, it might be more economical to use a ceiling fan instead of installing an AC unit. However, even if you do use one, your usage should generally be economical for you.

Enroll in an AC maintenance plan. It is important to enroll in a maintenance plan for your air conditioner. The reason is that an AC unit can be expensive to repair if you have no warranty. A maintenance plan will ensure that the machine is working properly, that your filter has been replaced and that there are no coolant leaks. Contact an HVAC Contractor in Greenville for more tips on energy savings. Spending less than $100 a year on a maintenance plan is better than spending thousands if the machine breaks down.

General Air Conditioning Services Corporation- Your Reliable HVAC Contractor in Greenville, SC

Managing your energy costs is not as difficult as you think. There are small measures that you can take and habits that you can adopt that can bring down the cost of air conditioning quite significantly. Involve your family in these measures so that everybody makes an effort to curtail any unnecessary usage. Moreover, it is always a good idea to maintain your AC unit which can benefit you in the long run. If you need additional information, call an HVAC contractor in Greenville at General Air. We provide a wide range of HVAC services including installation, repair, and maintenance. Our HVAC contractors can provide you additional tips regarding the maintenance and management of your AC unit. Call us today at 864-633-5664 or schedule an appointment online by visiting our website at https://generalac.com/contact/.