Having an AC was once considered a luxury due to the comfort it provided and the expenses it brought. Nowadays, newer ACs are designed to be as affordable and as sustainable as possible, so their energy consumption isn’t that high if you use them properly.
Unfortunately, many people in Chandler still use their air conditioners in a way that not only makes them less energy-efficient, but may also cause them to malfunction and require the help of an AC repair company a lot sooner than they normally should.Â
To help you keep your utility bills down and get as much mileage as possible out of your AC, we have prepared a list of 3 time-tested ways to save money when using your AC without sacrificing your comfort. Keep reading to learn more.
How can I save money on my air conditioner?
Many people fear that getting an AC will increase their long-term expenses. This isn’t the case because, compared to other forms of cooling, air conditioners tend to be both more energy-efficient and to provide higher levels of comfort.
Here are 3 ways to keep your room temperature cooler without racking up your bills:
1. Use the thermostat to your advantage
Set your thermostat a few degrees higher while you’re away from home. This will ensure that your home is still comfortably cool when you return, while also reducing your overall energy consumption. Try not to go too high or too low on the temperatures, and set your thermostat to a somewhat tolerable degree. The U.S Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Block the sunlight
Sun brings us light and heat, and one doesn’t go without the other. By darkening your rooms, they’ll naturally be colder and you won’t need to turn on the AC as much. Lower the blinds or invest in solar screens to keep the heat out of your home. If you choose to do it, make sure that your west- and east-facing windows are covered, as they are the most exposed.
Even if you don’t want to invest in screens, you can still keep your rooms cool. Close the windows on the east and west sides of the house and make your rooms as dark as possible. Of course, leave enough sunlight so that you can still comfortably move around without needing to switch on the lights.
3. Service your AC regularly
Scheduling annual AC tuneups is a must if you want to keep your air conditioners healthy and efficient. That being said, there are also a few simple maintenance tasks you can perform on your own without the need to call the pros.Â
For example, changing the filter improves air quality, increases efficiency, and can prevent compressor failure and other AC-related problems. You should also keep the area around the condenser clear of any debris or dirt, as it can easily become clogged.
The thermostat should also be checked every once in a while, as it can break over time and display the wrong temperature or send faulty signals to your AC. If you suspect your thermostat may be faulty and changing the batteries doesn’t help, call in a HVAC technician.
Do you live in Chandler and want to hire a professional AC repair company?Â
Air conditioners are complex devices that contain many potential points of failure. If your AC isn’t operating as it should, refrain from attempting to resolve the problem yourself and call in a reputable HVAC company such as Hughes Air.Â
We’re a long-standing HVAC contractor that offers a wide range of HVAC repair, maintenance, and installation services across Chandler and the surrounding communities. Call us today and have a fun day at the Chandler Museum while we make short work of any AC-related problems you may have.