When we hear of summer, we think of fun and leisure, but it is also understandable how many people in Pasadena dread the summer due to the rising costs of energy bills during the season. Rather than stressing over how to pay for ever-increasing energy bills, Pasadena Quality AC Repair recommends you make a few simple changes around the house to make your appliances, specifically your AC units, more energy-efficient.
It may seem like futile steps, but you may drastically cut your home’s electricity usage when you make even the smallest changes to your energy consumption practices. If you follow these ten helpful tips, you will be able to stay cool and save money all summer long:
- Invest in An HVAC System with A Higher SEER Rating
- The higher your HVAC unit’s SEER rating, the more efficiently it runs. You will certainly see a significant drop in your energy bills if you switch to a more energy-efficient HVAC system, especially if your existing unit is a bit old and worn.
- Use Ceiling Fans As A Cooling Alternative
- A ceiling fan is a simple and inexpensive way to increase your home’s air quality. Set your fans to run during the warmer months, specifically in the evenings, to reduce energy bills from constantly using your AC.
- Strengthen Your Insulation
- There will be less demand for your HVAC system if your home is well-insulated. The attic should be the first area you inspect for insufficient insulation.
- Shut Windows and Door When the AC is On
- Propped open or slightly ajar, improperly closed doors and windows allow external air to enter your home. So, never forget to switch off your AC unit when you need to open your windows and doors for prolonged periods.
- Adjust Your Thermostat to Comfortable Temperature
- The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit as a happy medium where you can keep cool without breaking the bank. If you raise the thermostat by only one degree above 72, you should expect a 3–5% reduction in cooling expenditures.
- Shade Your Home from External Heat
- A good way to casually keep solar heat out is to shade your windows with blinds or drapes. For a longer-term solution, consider planting trees and plants to provide shade around the property.
- Upgrade to A Programmable Thermostat
- With a smart thermostat, you can program it depending on your preference. For instance, it can allow you to boost your temperature by at least ten degrees during the daytime and reduce it to a more comfortable level as evening settles in. Included in our ac service and maintenance is installing a new thermostat.
- Regularly Clean Your AC Unit
- Air conditioners, like any other equipment, benefit from routine heating and air maintenance to keep them running well and save money on energy costs. It is a guaranteed way to keep airborne contaminants out of your home and prevent expensive repairs in the long run.
- Minimize Using Electricity and Appliances
- Daily activities add heat to your home, which strains your AC unit to run better, raising your energy costs. Try to minimize things like cooking, doing the dishes and laundry with appliances, using a computer, and even turning on lights during the day.
- Hire an HVAC Technician to Check for Defects
- During and after the summertime, you need to prepare your HVAC units for the cooling and heating season. So, get your units checked before the summer to ensure a hassle-free AC operation, and get our home heating maintenance to welcome the winter months.
Pasadena Quality AC Repair is at your service, whether it is summer or not. If you have questions about your HVAC units, do not hesitate to consult our expert technicians for the best advice and solutions to your comfort needs!