During the summer season in Lusby, MD, it’s normal to expect your air conditioning bill to be slightly higher than the rest of the year. However, there are simple ways to keep your bills in check without compromising on comfort. Follow the eight tips below to make your home and HVAC system more energy-efficient and lower your AC bill this summer.
Fix Your Landscape
Make sure your outdoor unit is shaded from direct sunlight by installing it under trees or planting shrubs nearby. Direct sunlight can make your unit feel hotter and have to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Using your landscape to create a more shaded area will make your system feel cooler and help it work efficiently when cooling your home. Regardless, make sure your landscape is not too close to the unit as this can impede proper air ventilation and clog the condenser coils.
Seal Your Windows
Energy waste is one of the main causes of higher AC bills, and that’s what can happen when your windows aren’t sealed properly. This summer, caulk any leaks or add weather-stripping around your windows. This will ensure cool air from inside your home doesn’t escape out of your windows and help lower your energy bills.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10 percent on your energy bills by increasing your home’s temperature by a couple of degrees when you’re away. Doing so manually every time you leave the house can be a bit of a headache, but if you install a programmable thermostat, you can automate the entire process. With a programmable thermostat, you’ll be able to set your temperature preferences for specific times during the day and even specific days during the week. You’ll never have to worry about wasting energy by cooling your home when you’re not around ever again.
Clean or Change Your Air Filters
Your system’s air filters work by trapping pollutants like dust and dirt to prevent them from re-circulating into your indoor air. Regardless, failing to clean or change your filters in a timely manner can cause it to clog. When this happens, your air conditioner won’t be able to circulate air properly, and it will have to work extra hard to cool your home. This means your system is using more energy than necessary, hence increasing your AC bills. We recommend checking your filters every 60 to 90 days for higher efficiency.
Use Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to increase energy efficiency. During summer, set your ceiling fans in a counter-clockwise direction. This will create a wind-chill effect that’ll make your home feel even cooler. Use them in combination with your air conditioning, as you’ll be able to increase your system’s temperature a few degrees, lower your AC bill, and still feel cool indoors.
Cook Outdoors
Using your stovetop or oven generates a lot of heat, which causes your air conditioner to work harder. Cook outdoors a couple of times a week to avoid straining your system this summer season.
Avoid the Sunlight Indoors
Just like cooking indoors generates heat, direct sunlight through your windows also causes your home to feel warmer. Avoid the sunlight by using blackout shades and curtains around your home or plant trees outside your windows to create some shade. This will give your HVAC system a break and help you save on your AC bills.
Schedule Maintenance
Properly maintaining your system is vital for an energy-efficient home and a longer lifespan for your system. During your routine maintenance appointment, our HVAC experts will perform a full inspection of your system and make any adjustments to ensure maximum efficiency. Some of the tasks performed include tightening electrical connections, replacing the filter, checking refrigerant levels, and more.
Learn more about our AC maintenance services and how our team at Hancock Refrigeration can help keep your system working efficiently throughout the season here or by calling us today.
