Owning a home with central air conditioning can be a lifesaver during scorching summers–especially on days like today (90 degrees!). However, the convenience of a cool and comfortable home often comes with a downside–increased energy bills. Fortunately, there are several ways homeowners can save money while enjoying the benefits of central air.
Tips for Saving Money
Optimize your thermostat settings. One of the easiest and most effective ways to save money on cooling costs is by optimizing your thermostat settings. During the warmer months, set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you're away from home or asleep. Utilize programmable or smart thermostats that allow you to create customized schedules, ensuring that your air conditioning runs only when needed. By adjusting the temperature a few degrees higher during these times, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money on your utility bills–and chances are, you may not even notice a change in comfort level, either.
Seal and insulate. Proper sealing and insulation play a crucial role in keeping your home cool and energy-efficient. Inspect your windows, doors, and any other potential air leaks. Through these air leaks, you can lose precious conditioned air easily and rapidly without even knowing it. Use weatherstripping and caulking to seal any gaps or cracks, preventing hot air from entering your home and cold air from escaping. Additionally, make sure your home is adequately insulated, especially in the attic and walls. Effective insulation will help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, reducing the workload on your central air system and ultimately saving you money.
Maintain your HVAC system. We say it in almost every one of our blogs! Regular maintenance of your central air conditioning system is essential for both its longevity and energy efficiency. Replace or clean air filters monthly, or as recommended by the manufacturer, to ensure optimal airflow and prevent dust and debris from clogging the system. Clean the outdoor unit regularly, removing any leaves or debris that may obstruct airflow, also making sure to check up on the area and clean up after storms and hurricanes (we’re officially in hurricane season!). Consider scheduling professional maintenance at least twice a year with the change of the seasons to make sure that everything is running smoothly and to avoid any problems in the future that may be detectable today.
Utilize fans and ventilation. While central air is a blessing during hot summer days, you can further reduce your energy consumption by utilizing fans and natural ventilation. Ceiling fans, box fans, etc. can create a cooling breeze and make you feel more comfortable at higher temperatures. When the outside temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, open windows and use cross-ventilation to circulate fresh air. By combining these strategies with your central air conditioning, you can achieve a comfortable indoor environment while minimizing your energy usage.
Consider zoning and airflow management. If your home has multiple levels or rooms that are seldom used, consider implementing zoning and airflow management techniques. Zoning allows you to cool specific areas of your home rather than cooling the entire house. By directing airflow only to occupied spaces, you can avoid wasting energy on unoccupied rooms. Additionally, use window coverings, such as blinds or curtains, to block sunlight and reduce heat gain inside. This will lessen the workload on your central air system, decrease your cooling costs, and make sure that the most used areas in your home are the ones receiving the cool air.
The bottom line
With these five money-saving tips, homeowners with central air can enjoy a cool and comfortable living space without breaking the bank. By optimizing thermostat settings, sealing and insulating your home, maintaining your HVAC system, utilizing fans and natural ventilation, and implementing zoning and airflow management techniques, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption and save money on cooling costs. Take proactive steps to make your central air system more efficient and enjoy a summer that's both comfortable and cost-effective.
Call us
Have questions about air conditioning? Experiencing any issues with your air conditioner? Please do not hesitate to call us here at Tri-Point Refrigeration. We are committed to providing our clients with the utmost quality of service while giving your AC the TLC it deserves.
We’re excited to help you along the way, and with regular servicing, we can keep your equipment running smoothly and healthily, while also extending the reach of your dollar.
For a direct line to any of our employees ready on the line to help you, please call…(512) 651-4565 for our Austin, Texas community (806) 686-0050 for our Lubbock, Texas community. Or check out our website at https://www.tripointrefrigeration.com
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