It’s not unusual for energy bills to spike during summertime. The HVAC system cycles on and off throughout the season, helping you stay cool and comfortable when you need it the most. Fortunately, there are steps that homeowners can take to bring down those costs and avoid paying more than necessary. Here are a few basic dos and don’ts to help lower your energy costs.

How to Bring Down Your Summertime Energy Costs

Do:

Consider a more efficient AC unit.

Efficient HVAC systems are designed to cool your home by using the least amount of energy possible. In addition to increased costs, common signs of an inefficient unit include temperature fluctuations throughout the house and frequent repairs. 

A unit that doesn’t cool properly may also run constantly in its effort to meet the temperature set on the thermostat. Upgrading your unit will not only bring your costs down but also improve your comfort.

Clean all air conditioning components.

All components of the HVAC system should be clean before you turn it on for the season. Dust can accumulate on the vents, compromising airflow to rooms and forcing the unit to work harder. A clogged filter won’t trap contaminants as efficiently and will also cause the AC to run more frequently as it attempts to force cooled air through the home. 

The outdoor unit is susceptible to accumulating grime, which can obstruct airflow and prevent it from releasing the heated air it collects from inside your home. Resolve these issues by cleaning the vents thoroughly, replacing the filter at least every three months, and hosing down the outdoor unit. 

Don’t:

Leave your window coverings open.

Don’t push back the curtains or pull up the blinds on hot, sunny days. That heat will quickly warm up the room and cause the air conditioner to run even more frequently to cool it down to your desired temperature. Use your window treatments to reduce heat gain and prevent it from overheating rooms. 

Rely on a standard thermostat.

If you use a standard thermostat that you can only set to a constant temperature, you’re missing out on significant energy savings. Using a programmable thermostat can help you save up to 10% on your annual costs when you set the temperature back by at least 10° Fahrenheit. The key is to do this for at least eight hours, which is easy when you’re sleeping or at work or school for the day. 

You can also program the thermostat to adjust temperatures shortly before you wake up or arrive home, ensuring you’re always comfortable.
 

Before you switch your HVAC system on for the season, turn to the professionals at Rochester Heating And Cooling in NY for warm-weather maintenance. They’ll make sure it’s running efficiently so your energy bills don’t spike in the summer. Check out their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) AC from Amana® for just $3500. Visit the website for more information, or call (585) 458-3700 to speak with a representative.