1st Choice Heating and Air Conditioning
How to Save Money on Your Air Conditioning and Energy Bill in the Summer.
The US Department of Energy says that air conditioning can account for up to 47% of your utility bill. At 1st Choice Heating & Air Conditioning, we take energy efficiency seriously. Here in New Jersey we understand that air conditioning is crucial for comfort during the hot months and our advice may help you save money on your monthly energy bill. Here is advice on cutting air conditioning energy costs as well as tips on how to stay cool and use your air conditioner less.
Don’t run your AC when you aren’t home
The easiest and quickest way to save money is to not use your air conditioner when you don’t need it or aren’t at home. You may wish to invest in a smart or programmable thermostat which we offer. You can program these thermostats to turn the AC on half an hour before you get home, then you won’t have to wait for the house to cool down after work. We offer these here (link to thermostat page) or you can call us or request service for information.
Turn up the temperature
When you are home, turn your AC up a few degrees. If you are comfortable at 68 degrees, turn it up to 70, and turn it up at night. Just doing these two things can save you 5%-15% on your monthly bill. Supplement the warmer temperature by making use of ceiling fans and bed fans. Air circulation is a huge factor is keeping cool. Our bodies have their own evaporative cooling system (sweat) and utilizing fans to keep air circulating helps us use this to stay cool.
Maintenance
Regular air conditioner maintenance is suggested to keep your unit running as efficiently as possible. We recommend a full tune-up at least once a season but there are a few things you can do yourself. Check, clean and/or replace your air filter. Air flow is so important for efficient AC function and a dirty or clogged air filter is the prime suspect when a unit is using too much energy.
Shade
Keeping your condenser shaded and cool can save you up to 10% on your bill. Check the condenser for debris and growth and clear away any that is covering the coils. Keeping the coils exposed is important for air flow and you should clean the coils at the beginning of each season.
If you need to service your air conditioner or need advice on how to cut your energy costs please call us or request service online. We want to keep you comfortable and help you save money in the long run.