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How To Lower Cooling Costs This Summer

June 20, 2023
How To Lower Cooling Costs This Summer

Exposure to high heat for a long period of time can lead to health hazards, especially when indoors. Therefore, you need a functioning and efficient AC to keep your property cool during the summer. However, homeowners are also right to worry about the energy efficiency and cost of their cooling system.

At Weikle’s Hometown Heating & Air, we address common worries and AC repairs in Brunswick County homes. Many homeowners experience high utility bills in the summer and feel as if they must sacrifice their comfort for their budget. However, there are various ways to decrease cooling costs and keep an air conditioned home. In this article, we discuss tips to lower AC bills in Southport, NC and surrounding areas.

6 Ways to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs

The key to lowering air conditioning costs in Southport, NC is by reducing the amount of energy your air conditioner uses to operate. If malfunctions or obstructions are harming its ability to produce cool air, it will use more energy and result in your monthly bills. Homeowners can perform various maintenance tasks to reduce the workload on their air conditioner.

The Weikles experts are here to ensure your home stays cool, comfortable, and affordable this summer season. Below are six tips to lower your AC bill in Oak Island, NC and surrounding areas.

  • Seal Air Leaks
  • Use Fans
  • Close Curtains & Blinds
  • Change Air Filters
  • Upgrade Your Thermostat
  • Keep Up With AC Maintenance

Seal Air Leaks

Air conditioners work hard to meet the thermostat setting in your home. If air is escaping through windows or leaks, your air conditioner works harder to make up for lost air. Windows and doors commonly have cracks where air can easily escape, which could be the reason for high cooling costs.

We encourage homeowners to seal air leaks and insulate their homes for every season, especially summer and winter months. Sealing air leaks can easily be done by caulking or weather stripping. Ensuring air is not leaking through cracks decreases the workload on your air conditioner and helps keep energy usage low.

Use Fans

Did you know your ceiling fan can spin different directions for different purposes? In the summer, your ceiling fan should be rotating counterclockwise to provide a breeze. While fans do not change the temperature of a room, fans can make rooms feel cooler. If you run a ceiling or standing fan in the summer, you can adjust the thermostat setting without feeling a comfort difference.

According to Energy Star, raising the thermostat setting by two degrees and using ceiling fans can reduce your AC energy expenses by up to 14%. Raising your thermostat temperature reduces the amount of cool air needed and gives your air conditioner a much needed break. However, be sure to turn fans off when rooms are vacant to continue reducing energy consumption.

Close Curtains & Blinds

It can be a habit for some to open blinds and curtains in the morning to illuminate their homes for the day. However, sun beaming into your home can increase heat gain and make your home feel warmer. If sunlight shines into your home, the indoor temperature will shift and your air conditioner will use more energy to cool your home. We recommend keeping curtains and blinds closed during the day to keep air conditioning costs to a minimum.

Change Air Filters

Air filters are an important part of your air conditioning system and should be properly maintained. Air filters are responsible for keeping harmful pollutants out of your home by catching them in the filter pores. If the filter pores are dirty, your air conditioner struggles to continue to push air through the filter. The system will use more energy to distribute air throughout your home when operating with a dirty air filter, which results in high AC costs.

Homeowners should be regularly monitoring their air filters and changing them at least every 90 days. Additionally, homeowners should be utilizing a quality air filter in Southport, NC to keep harmful pollutants out of your home. Give our team members a call to learn how to choose the correct air filter and install it properly.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Smart thermostats have increased in popularity due to the ability to customize temperatures throughout the day. You can preset temperature changes without you being at home. This process can become a cost-saving measure for people with consistent schedules.

You can set your thermostat to turn off or run at higher temperatures when you’re away from home. Right around the time you should come back, the smart thermostat can turn to a lower temperature and cool the property. Even if your schedule is a bit more inconsistent, you can try planning the cooling schedule day by day. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs by altering their thermostat 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. This can easily be done when you are at work during the day or asleep at night.

Keep Up With AC Maintenance

An air conditioner’s average level of energy efficiency decreases when its components wear down. For example, a dirty air filter can prevent cold air from reaching different rooms, causing spotty indoor temperatures. A Weikle’s technician can complete a filter replacement during service and restore the previously blocked airflow.

Consistent AC maintenance in Southport, NC performed by a qualified HVAC technician is the best way to keep AC bills to a minimum. Air conditioning maintenance is a service that allows a thorough inspection of your AC system. This preventative service can increase your system’s efficiency, find and resolve developing unit issues, and extend your unit’s lifespan.

We can also let you know when your system can’t improve and if replacing the system would be more lucrative. This way, you don’t have to waste money on constant repairs that only put a bandage on a broken system.

What Happens During AC Maintenance?

During air conditioning maintenance in Southport, NC, our team ensures the optimal condition of your AC system. The checklist depends on the type of system you use, but may include the following:

  • Repair or replace worn and broken parts
  • Inspect electrical components for damage
  • Review the efficiency of the electrical circuits
  • Check air filters and replace them if necessary
  • Check the internal components for wear and tear
  • Review the indoor and outdoor units for cleanliness
  • Check the refrigerant levels and add more if necessary
  • Check the thermostat calibration and correct it if needed
  • Ensure the cleanliness of the drain pipes, condensate pumps, and valves

Don’t wait to get air conditioning maintenance; schedule service with us to reduce your energy costs. Weikle’s Hometown Heating & Air can help you ensure the energy efficiency of your HVAC system in Southport, NC, and nearby cities. We provide cost-effective, detailed services with the respect and friendliness you deserve. With our team, you can expect on-time arrivals and no hidden service fees.

To learn more methods for lowering energy bills or receive top-quality cooling services in Brunswick County, call (910) 931-0094 today.

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Google Rating
5.0
Based on 93 reviews
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