Summer is
quickly approaching – that means beach trips, days at the pool, and, yes, the
hottest temperatures of the year.
When
Florida residents want to beat the heat, their first instinct is to crank down
the AC unit. Unfortunately, however, this leads to higher than average energy
bills that can be hard on bank accounts.
At Veteran Air of Sarasota-Bradenton, we know that staying cool is a top priority; but is there a way to do it and still save some money in the long run?
Here are
our top 5 tips on lowering your monthly AC bills all summer long.
Change Your
Air Filter Regularly
Regularly replacing your air filter is a
great way to increase the efficiency of your HVAC system. On average, experts
say it should be changed at least once a month; more if you have multiple pets
inside your home.
While this
is a good rule of thumb all-year long, it’s even more critical during the
summer months when your AC unit is working harder than usual.
Make the
Most of Floor and Ceiling Fans
While we
tend to lean on our air conditioners throughout summer, fans are an inexpensive
alternative to cooling down your home. Studies have shown that AC units use
over 100 times the amount of energy as a fan on its medium setting.
Most homes
have ceiling units in place, anyways – why not put them to work?
Set Your
Thermostat to 78 or Higher
Are you at
work most days during the week? Don’t run the air conditioner for an empty
house.
If you’re going
to be out of the house for a significant amount of time, setting the thermostat
to, at least, 78 degrees is a great way to lower energy costs. A programmable
thermostat can automatically lower and raise the temperature so you don’t have
to do it everytime you leave or come home.
Close Your
Blinds and Shades
If you have
blinds, shades, or curtains on your windows, pulling them closed during the day
is a smart way to help cool off your home. This prevents sunlight from beating
in and helps to naturally lower temperatures by a couple of degrees.
Get Out of
the Kitchen
For many
people, firing up the grill is a favorite summer activity – but did you know it
can help lower your energy bill, as well?
When you
turn on your oven, it forces your AC unit to work harder than usual to keep
temperatures where you want them. Grilling outdoors not only provides tasty
meals but it helps keeps the house cool at the same time.
Let Your
Sarasota-Bradenton AC Company Keep You Cool This Summer
No one
wants to suffer inside a hot house during summer.
Veteran Air is here to help. Aside from these
great energy-saving tips, we can make sure your AC unit is in top-notch shape.
After all, a poorly maintained air conditioner is just one more thing that will
raise the price of your energy bill.
If you have
questions about your HVAC system, contact us today
at 941-751-6180 to set up an appointment.
