Air conditioning maintenance can help you to get higher air quality, elongate the life of your system, and to reduce your AC bill this summer. Listed below are some other helpful ways you can lower your electric bill and stay comfortable inside.
Raise the Temperature
Obviously, raising the temperature a bit is a surefire way to save some on an AC bill. Estimates vary, but some experts believe that raising AC’s temperature two to three degrees can save the homeowner as much as two to three percent on their energy bill.
The reason raising the temperature saves money is simple: when the thermostat’s setting is higher, the unit itself doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the air inside the home close to that setting, resulting in less energy usage.
Close the Curtains
The summer sun is not your AC’s friend. For that reason, it’s important to draw the curtains during the hottest hours of the day.
From late morning to mid-afternoon, the sun will beat on south-facing windows, causing the home to heat up through a process called Solar Heat Gain. The solar heat gain will warm objects within the room, which will then radiate heat into the space. These higher temperatures force the AC to work harder to keep it cool, driving up the energy bill. Drawing the curtains will help.
Locate and Seal All Drafts
Drafty windows and doors don’t just affect a home in the winter. If the AC is running full blast but there are gaps where treated air can escape, cold air will escape and warm air will sneak in, and subsequently, the temperature in the home will begin to rise.
In this case, the air conditioner will have to run more often to maintain the thermostat’s setting. So, caulk gaps around windows and use weather stripping around doors. Trapping that cool air inside while keeping the cold air out can make a big difference in the energy bill.
Install a Smart Thermostat
One of the greatest improvements in modern home technology is a smart thermostat. These models have programmable settings that the homeowner can leverage throughout the day. For instance, if everyone works or heads to school during the day, there’s no reason the thermostat should be at 65 degrees. But, they can reset to a lower temperature when everyone heads home.
With a smart thermostat, users can change the temperature inside the house from their phones, or adjust the schedule to fit the family’s needs. Used correctly, this can yield big savings on your utility bill.
Move the Thermostat
There are certain spaces within a home where a thermostat just doesn’t belong. For instance, if a thermostat is in front of a south-facing window and the sun pours through the glass directly onto it, it’s going to think the home is warmer than it actually is. This will cause the AC to run too often, making the rest of the home excessively cold and driving up the utility bill.
There are better places to install a thermostat. Try a central hallway within the home or in another living space away from those south-facing windows. Moving a thermostat can be a bit of a pain, but the results might very well be worth it.
Get Your AC Serviced
There are a lot of reasons why a neglected air conditioning system could be driving the utility bill up. For instance, clogged coils will not allow the machine to work efficiently. Low refrigerant can cause the coil to freeze. Dirty filters can reduce airflow. The reasons continue.
Folks that really want to save money on their AC bill this summer should have their air conditioner serviced by an expert. The air conditioning pro will make sure the system is running as efficiently as possible, helping the homeowner save some cash off of each utility bill.
Your Trusted Partner for Commercial HVAC Services
At LoneStar Heating and Cooling, we understand the challenges of owning and operating a business. That’s why we provide reliable commercial HVAC services that you can depend on when you need them the most. Our team of dedicated technicians strives to optimize the performance and lifespan of your HVAC system, ensuring it serves you for many years to come.
Our professional HVAC technicians undergo comprehensive training and stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in heating and cooling systems. We believe that continuous education is vital for delivering the highest quality care to our commercial and residential clients. Call us today to schedule a maintenance appointment with one of our team members.
Expert Commercial HVAC Repair, Replacement & Maintenance
Don’t let a minor problem escalate into a major issue. As soon as you notice any concerns with your commercial HVAC system, contact us at (713-266-2552) or fill out the contact form to schedule a service appointment. We are here to provide expert repairs, replacements, and maintenance for your commercial HVAC needs.
Schedule Your Air Conditioning Service Appointment in Houston Today
The dedicated HVAC technicians at LoneStar Heating and Cooling have been serving Houston and its surrounding communities for over 30 years. In this time, our company has established itself as an industry leader and proud member of the Houston community.
We work with both commercial and residential clients providing affordable HVAC repairs, maintenance services, and installations to help you maintain total control over the climate in your home or business. We also offer commercial refrigeration repair, maintenance, and installation services. If you are looking to take control of the climate in your space, schedule an appointment with our team today.
LoneStar Heating and Cooling
7941 Katy Fwy #287
Houston, TX 77024
713-266-2552
View our Google Listing
