Scorching summer temperatures typically mean that your cooling costs are higher than normal. AC system costs typically account for a large percentage of the annual energy that homeowners use in their homes. The team here at South Nashville Heating & Cooling would like to alert our valued clients to the simple fact that you can take steps to reduce your energy and utility bills. There are actually a number of things that you can do to reduce the amount of energy consumption in your home and lower costs for cooling.
TIPS TO LOWER YOUR SUMMER COOLING COSTS
Here are a few helpful tips to lower costs this summer.
- Upgrade Your Current Cooling System – Today’s top of the line AC systems are designed primarily with energy efficiency and performance in mind. Cooling systems on the market today are so efficient that cooling a home that is nearly 40% larger at the same cost as that of a smaller home with an older system is quite common. In order to enjoy maximum efficiency, it is necessary to choose the correct size system and correct SEER as well. New systems with SEER ratings greater than 13 are by far the most energy efficient. If you have a system that is greater than 10 years old, then it may very well be time to upgrade to an energy efficient cooling system in your efforts to reduce your energy consumption today.
- Routine Maintenance and Service for Your Existing Cooling Unit – If a whole new cooling system is not in the budget for you now, then your next best tip for reducing cooling costs is to have your current unit or system serviced by professionals. An annual routine service and maintenance appointment will ensure that your system is performing at peak levels, helping to improve overall efficiency. An annual inspection allows for professional technicians to identify potential problems and provide effective solutions before they turn into much more serious and costly issues.
- Use of Ceiling Fans – When running your AC system, using ceiling fans can help to keep your living space cooler without using additional energy. Fans typically draw moisture out of the air, which allows for cooler more comfortable atmospheres. Fans also help to circulate the air better, again making living space more comfortable. It is important, however, that you set the blades to turn in a counterclockwise direction during the summer months and turn them off entirely when no one is in the room.
- Replace Air Filters Routinely – Certainly changing air filters is a simple task that requires little time and effort. However, when you routinely change the air filters, you can potentially save on energy consumption by nearly 15%. When your AC is running consistently in the summer months, the team here at South Nashville Heating & Cooling highly recommend you change out the air filter at a minimum every two months. Changing filters once a month will afford you the maximum savings you are looking for.
- Programmable Thermostats – The installation of programmable thermostats can help reduce energy use because you can set your AC system to automatically increase or decrease temperatures at specific times during the day and night. When you are away from home or even when you are sleeping, a programmable thermostat helps to keep the atmospheres routinely comfortable while conserving energy automatically.
TRUST OUR HIGHLY SKILLED AND TRAINED PROFESSIONALS
Keeping your home and family comfortable during the scorching hot summer months does not need to cost you an excessive amount of money. By adhering to these useful tips above, you can certainly save on your overall cooling costs while still ensuring that your home and family are comfortable all summer long. For more information on minimizing cooling costs or to schedule your AC service, inspection, maintenance or system upgrade, simply reach out to the professionals here at South Nashville Heating & Cooling today!