Tips for Reducing Cooling Costs

Keeping your property is often a necessity in Abilene, TX. It can reach temperatures as high as almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures are unbearable, but air conditioning helps make it bearable. Running your air conditioning to cool your home or business means that you will be using up a lot of energy. Energy is not free. That means you will get some high energy bills, especially as temperatures warm up during the summer months. You already have many expenses that you worry about, do not let cooling costs be one of them. There are things that you can do to reduce your energy costs and save yourself some money while still staying cool. Things you can do include:

• Set Your Thermostat Up a Few Degrees: For every 1 degree above 75 degrees, your energy bills can increase by 3-5%. We recommend increasing the temperature by a degree or two at a time to help save money but keep it at a comfortable temperature.

• Don’t Block Vents: Airflow is critical to allowing your air conditioning system to distribute cold air to your property. It does this through your ventilation. If you block vents, you will have poor airflow, some areas won’t get as cold as they can be, and you will be wasting energy. Check and clear anything that may be blocking vents such as furniture.

• Upgrade Your Air Conditioning: Newer models of air conditioners are more energy efficient than their older counterparts. If your air conditioner is old, consider getting a new one to keep your property cool with less energy.

• Use Ceiling Fans: The U.S. Department of Energy says that you can install a ceiling fan and adjust your thermostat up to 4 degrees without losing any comfort. That is a lot of potential energy savings by using a simple and effective fan.

• Close the Curtains: Light from the sun transfers heat energy into your home through your windows. Closing your curtains blocks out the light and thus the transference of heat. Blinds and curtains that are light in color are the most effective at deflecting the light and its radiant heat from your property.

• Install a Programmable Thermostat: Smart thermostats allow you to preset the temperature you want your property to be at specific times of the day. You can have it keep your home cool while you are away and let your HVAC system take a break while you are away, reducing energy consumption. Best of all, you may even be able to access everything from your cellphone.

• Replace Your Air Filter: Your air is filtered through the air filters of your air conditioning system. Over time, they get clogged, allowing debris to get into your vents and restricting airflow. This makes it more difficult for your AC to cool your home. Replacing your air filter allows it to more effectively remove debris in your vents that are restricting airflow and causing uneven cooling of your property.