If you’re like most homeowners, you’re not going to turn down a chance to save money, right? This is especially true if we’re referring to energy and utility bills (which we are!) In addition to these utility bills every month, when it comes to your HVAC systems, you also have the cost of upkeep to consider–repairs, eventual replacement, and maintenance. This can all be understandably overwhelming.
The thing is, there are some simple steps you can take to improve your cooling system’s efficiency, and lower your utility bills in the process, even if you have an aging air conditioner–that is 10-15 years old. If you feel that your AC system has been struggling efficiency-wise, don’t let that get you down any longer. Follow the tips we’ve shared below to get your air conditioner operating as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
Keep Heat-Producing Lights Off
Most of the lights in your home generally produce a little bit of heat. If you have all the lights on in a single room, it can easily add at least a couple of degrees of heat to said room. Of course, if you truly need lighting, like task lighting in the kitchen, then you need it, but you can still limit the heat it produces. Try installing a dimmer switch, for instance, and use the heat-producing lighting at the lowest setting possible.
When your living space isn’t getting heated up by its own lighting, your air conditioner won’t need to run as often, or for as long, and therefore won’t use as much electricity!
Use Your Ceiling Fans
A ceiling fan all on its own can’t lower the temperature of the room. You may be able to stand right below it and feel cooler, but this is because it’s helping to evaporate sweat off your body and keep you cool. So, why do we recommend using ceiling fans, then?
Because ceiling fans help circulate your air better. What does this mean? Well, if you’re operating your air conditioner along with your ceiling fans, you’ll feel a lot cooler in the rooms where the ceiling fans are. And if you feel cooler you can adjust your thermostat so that your air conditioner doesn’t start operating as early in the day, therefore saving energy.
Close Your Curtains
Summertime is the time you get to enjoy ambient light coming in through your windows. But something to keep in mind is how much radiant heat this brings into the home. This is particularly true for south-facing windows. So, keep your blinds and curtains closed and you’ll keep your home cooler for longer. This means your air conditioner won’t cycle on quite so soon and won’t need to run as long as it otherwise would in order to keep your living space cool.
DB Heating & Cooling, Inc serves the heating and cooling needs of customers throughout Rockland County, NY as well as Bergen County, NJ and surrounding communities. You can count on us for expert air conditioning service in Oradell, NJ. Contact us today!