An air conditioner is more of a necessity than a luxury in sunny Savannah, GA, but that doesn’t mean that you need to resign yourself to sky-high cooling bills. From keeping curtains on south-facing windows closed during the day to using ceiling fans, there are dozens of ways to cut AC costs without compromising your family’s comfort. When you can’t find time to put every cost-saving practice into place, however, it’s helpful to know which tactics save you the most money. Experts consistently rank the following three tips at the top of the energy-saving list.
1. Take Advantage of Preventive Maintenance Services
While there are some maintenance chores that you can do yourself, such as regularly changing the air filter, it takes the skills of a trained HVAC professional to keep your air conditioner running at peak performance. During a scheduled AC maintenance visit, the technician will inspect, test and adjust each component of your cooling system to ensure that everything is in good working order. If a potential problem is identified, it can often be fixed on the spot before it leads to a costly AC repair. Regular maintenance keeps your AC running at optimum efficiency, and according to one study conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), can save you up to 20 percent on your energy bills.
2. Install a Programmable Thermostat
The last thing that today’s busy families want at the end of a hot and humid day is to return home to the sweltering environment. Leaving the AC running while you’re away, however, is a costly cooling strategy. With a programmable thermostat, you can preset the device to operate at different temperatures throughout the day and week, ensuring that you’re always comfortably cool when you’re at home while saving you money when you’re not. Some models even allow you to access the controls from your computer or mobile device.
3. Optimize the Ductwork in Your Central AC System
It’s easy to neglect the hidden series of ducts that circulate cool air through your home but giving them some attention can save you a substantial amount of the money. The EPA reports that around 20 percent of the air that passes through ductwork in the average American home is lost to leaks. A skilled HVAC technician can conduct a pressure test on your ducts to determine the amount of leakage. If the test reveals more than a 2-percent leakage, it pays to have the ducts sealed and insulated. In order to maintain the pressure balance between the system’s supply and return channels, however, it’s best to leave ductwork repairs in the hands of qualified professionals.
Problems with ductwork aren’t limited to leaks. Over time, dust, debris, and allergens can build up within the ducts, impeding air circulation and impairing indoor air quality. Dirty or clogged ducts also force your air conditioner to run longer to reach ideal temperatures, causing undue wear and tear on the system. A trained HVAC professional can clean the ducts for you to maximize your AC’s performance.
Find out more ways to save on your heating and cooling bills by contacting Dyess Heating & Air today! Our efficiency experts will be happy to work directly with you to pinpoint areas for saving in your home or office.