Americans love to use air conditioning. Nearly 70% of all homes in the United States have it. Nearly 5% of all evergy produced in the country is used for air conditioning. All of this air conditioning can be very expensive. There are ways, however, to reduce the costs associated with air conditioning without sacrificing comfort. Experts inandnbsp;air conditioning installation and repair, recommend we follow these tips to keep our homes comfortable and keep more money in our wallets.
- Get more engergy efficient air conditioning units. When you need an air conditioning installation done, you can select an Energy Star certified appliance. Any air conditioning contractor will tell you that this can cut energy bills by aout 15%. This may not seem like a lot but it does add up over time.
- Have the air conditioning unit properly maintained. Only 42% of United States homeowners say they have maintenance done on their heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units on a regular basis. You should have the unit checked and cleaned at least once a year. Leaky dusts and dusty parts can make the unit operate a lot less efficiently, which costs a lot more to run. Even doing simple things like changing the filters can go a long way in improving how efficiently the unit works, which leads to less energy used and a cheaper bill for you. Talk to a local air conditioning company about how often your unit should be serviced.
- Replace an old unit. If you bought a home that was built before 1990, the HVAC unit is probably over 20 years old. Older units are less energy efficient. If you find that your utlity bills are much greater than those of other people who live near you, it might be time for a new air conditioning installation. This may cost more in the short yterm but should pay for itself over time. If you do not want to do a full air conditioning installation, you can also opt to replace any component parts that are older than 15 years. This can greatly improve the unit’s energy efficiency.
- Consider your window treatments. A home’s windows and doors can cost you a lot in the way of lost energy. Up to 50% if your heating and cooling can escape though untreated windows and doors. If you have winows that face east or west, consider closing your curtians or blinds when the sun comes through those windows. You can also have shutters or other window coverings added. Some people choose blackout curtains, which keep a home cooler and offer a lot in the way of privacy. Good window treatments can significantly reduce your energy bills and make your home more energy efficient.
- Install new windows. You can have new windows put in that can keep your heating or cooling inside. They can also keep harsh UV light from the sun out, which keeps your home cooler but also protects your funuture and other items from being bleached by the sun. Newer windows often have better insulation to keep in what you want whle not allowing the cold or heat from outside in.
- Use fans.Fans set strategically around the house can make it feel cooler. By having them in the attic, you can suck the hot air out and create a home that is less humid. By using fans, you can set your air conditioning unit to a higher temperature while maintaining a good comfort level in your home.
- Put your air conditioning unit on a timer. Experts at air conditioning repair companies will tell you that one way to keep your costs down is to put your unit on a timer or schedule. You can then heat or cool it when you know people are home rather than having it go all the time.
By using more energy efficient air conditionig units and taking other steps to cut down on our heating and cooling needs, we can cut between 20 and 50% off of the utility bills. Following these easy tips, you can really cut down on the amount of money you are spending without making your home uncomfortable to spend time in.