10 Cooling System Summer Efficiency Tips

Written on: August 3, 2020

It’s been a hot one here in Pennsylvania so far in summer 2020 – and with everyone home more than usual, you’re probably paying more for your cooling bills.
Want to keep those bills as low as possible? Here are some of the best ways to do it.

Tips For A/C Efficiency

1. Check and change air filters regularly – A clogged air filter will make your air conditioner overwork to do its job, and both you and your equipment will pay for it. Check your air filter monthly, replacing or cleaning it (depending on the model) when needed.
2. Target your cooling – If you have central air conditioning, close vents in rooms you don’t use, or consider installing a zoned cooling system. If you have a ductless air conditioning system, run it only when you’re in the room.
3. Avoid heat-producing appliances – Avoid using ovens, clothes dryers, etc. – especially on the hottest days.
4. Be smart with your thermostat – Run your house slightly warmer when no one is home and when you’re sleeping; on average, you’ll save about three percent per day on air conditioning bills for each degree you raise the thermostat.
5. Keep reasonable temperatures – When you’re home, target a temperature of about 78 degrees – a temperature the Department of Energy says represents the best balance of comfort and energy savings. Remember: it’s the difference between the temperature indoors and outdoors that will make you feel cooling relief, not a number on a dial.
6. Use ceiling fans – Circulating air feels cooler; with ceiling fans running, you can raise your thermostat by two to three degrees with no loss of comfort.
7. Install window treatments – Windows let in the majority of heat from the outside; reflective shades and other window treatments can cut off some of that heat. Check out this Department of Energy link to learn more about energy saving window treatments.
8. Service your air conditioner – Annual maintenance is a must for your home cooling system: without it, your equipment will lose about five percent efficiency per year. Your equipment will also be more prone to breakdowns.
9. Make your home air-tight – If you own an older New Jersey home, there’s a high likelihood that it’s under-insulated – which means hot air is getting in and cold air is getting out. Adding insulation in attics, crawl spaces, and other areas of your home is one of the best bang for your buck ways to improve efficiency. To learn more about where and how much insulation to add, check out this post. Caulk and weatherstrip your windows and doors, too.
10. Consider a cooling system upgrade – A new high efficiency air conditioner can save you 30 percent on your monthly bills compared to your older model, which means it will pay for itself in just a few years – especially when you consider rebates and manufacture’s incentives.
    Want an out-of-the-box way to save money on cooling? Add a super-efficient ductless air conditioner as a supplemental source of cool air in rooms that get a lot of use or tend to stay warm – that way you don’t have to run your central A/C unit on full blast to stay comfortable.

A/C not keeping up this summer? Ace-Robbins experts can help you upgrade your cooling system with a solution that’s a perfect match for your home and budget. We’ll help you sort through your rebate options, too, so you’ll get the most for your money.
Contact us today to learn more about A/C installations in Wyoming County, PA, or to schedule an appointment for A/C service.