As we continue in the triple digits here in AZ the last thing we want to do is open our utility bill. We have a few tips that will keep your home comfortable while maintaining a reasonable utility bill.
One of the easiest and most affordable way to ensuring you stay comfortable is by changing your filters regularly. That means if you use 1″ filters change them monthly, 2″ filters change them every other month, 4″ filters every 6 months. Changing your filters regularly will keep the flow of air consistent across your coils. If you have clogged filters it restricts the air flow which will cause your system to freeze up in turn your air conditioning system will start to blow warm air. NOTE: Above are suggestions as to when to change your filters if you have construction going on around the house or have pets you might want to change them more often.
It is no surprise that 65% of our utility bill is the usage of our air conditioning system. That is why it is so important to maintain your A/C equipment regularly. By having your air conditioning system maintained regularly will ensure your system is running at maximum efficiency as well as keeping peace of mind that your system will not fail in the extreme heat. It is recommended that you maintain your system every 6 months or before each season (Summer and Winter) starts.
Keeping your air conditioning system thermostat set to a comfortable setting but not trying to freeze your home. If you leave your home on a daily basis for a few hours or more an important tip that we can give you is to raise the temperature of your thermostat about 2-4 degrees higher than what you usually keep your thermostat at. This helps your system run less when no one is home. If you raise the setting too high, say to 85 degrees and then come home and change it to 75 degrees, your unit will run for a very long time to try and catch up. In these extreme heat conditions, it may take 1 hour of run time to lower the temperature of your home. This increases your utility bill, and adds stress to your system. By keeping your setting 2 to 4 degrees higher when not home you will actually save money and not strain your system. If you have a memory like I do I would recommend you having a programmable thermostat installed. You can program your thermostat for the days you leave for long periods to warm up and set it for about an hour before you get home to cool the house.
Ceiling Fans keep the air moving in your home. It makes your home seem cooler since you are moving the stagnant air around. Ceiling fans also distribute the air throughout the home to make the temperature more even, eliminating hot and cold spots.
The most costly but one of the best investments you will make is replacing your inefficient old air conditioning system. I know people don’t like to hear it but what you could save in your electric bill by having a new air conditioning system installed will over time pay for the air conditioning replacement itself. Not only will it lower your utility bills but you will be more comfortable in your home and not to mention the nice warranty your receive with the system.
I have to share this last tip even though it is not related to your air conditioning system. This is something I found out myself when I bought my home that had a pool. My pool pump was approx 10years old and one of my co workers informed me that having an old pool pump running consistently in the summer is costing me money. I replaced my pool pump with a Pentair variable speed pool pump and my utility bill dropped that very next month. I strongly recommend you look into replacing your pool pump. Check with your utility company as well, they most likely have a rebate program for upgrading your pool pump.
I hope these tips help keep you cool and comfortable this summer.
