It’s finally spring in Kansas City, and summer is close behind. But before it warms up too much, there are some things you should know about your air conditioner. Like, did you know that out of all the appliances in your home, your air conditioner is the biggest consumer of energy? City Wide Heating & Cooling wants to help you, so we compiled a list of ways to help you keep that energy bill down this season:
Avoid Turning Your Air Conditioner Off
This mistake could cost you some big bucks. Many people think turning your air conditioner off when you’re not home saves you money, but it’s actually costing you more! Your air conditioner uses a lot more energy to start back up and re-cool your home, than it would to continue keeping your home at a steady temperature. That brings us to our next bit of advice . . .
Keep Your Thermostat Steady
Instead of turning off your air conditioner when you leave your home, adjust your thermostat. Turn your thermostat up 7 to 10 degrees when you are away, and if you can, keep your air conditioner somewhere between 75 and 78 degrees at all times. These small changes can save you up to 10 percent on your annual heating and cooling bills.
Get an Annual AC Tune-Up
Scheduling an annual tune up for your air conditioner can keep your system more efficient, which can result in great savings. Air conditioners that don’t receive a regular tune-up can lose up to five percent efficiency a year. And the cost of regular maintenance is much cheaper than having to pay for a new air conditioner when it breaks down.
Don’t Rely Too Heavily on Your Air Conditioner
Don’t rely solely on your air conditioner. There are other ways to keep cool. Try drawing the blinds before you leave the house. By doing this during the hottest part of the day (between 12-4 p.m.), it will prevent the sun’s rays from sneaking into your home and raising the temperature. Also, make sure you’re using your ceiling fans to their maximum potential. They can help make a room feel cooler when used to supplement your AC unit. Adjust your ceiling fans so they spin counter clockwise, which will allow for a downdraft of cool air. This little trick can make a room feel up to eight degrees cooler!
For more money saving tips when it comes to your energy bills, read our article on Top 8 Tips to Save Money on Energy Bills While You’re On Vacation.
To schedule your air conditioner tune-up this season, call City Wide!