Articles » Six Tips to Reduce Your AC Bill and Still Stay Cool
By: Debra Howard
Six Tips to Reduce Your AC Bill and Still Stay Cool
Dreading your electric bill this month? Take heart; there are some cost saving tips to keep you cool without breaking the bank.
Chatting with a good friend (who happens to install and service Air Conditioning & Heating Units), I was complaining about my summer bills. He explained there were some simple things I could do to reduce my energy consumption and therefore reduce my bills. Here’s his advice for still staying cool but easing the burden on your wallet:
1. Service regularly. Make sure to service your AC/Heater every year to prolong the life of the equipment and keep it all working at maximum efficiency levels.
2. Replace old equipment. If your unit is more than 10 years old, have it inspected; it may be time to replace it with a new unit. The newer models are more energy efficient which can save you money with lower monthly bills.
3. Replace your thermostat. If you don’t already have one, consider replacing your old thermostat with a new programmable one. Programmable thermostats allow you to set timers so the temperature will automatically change while you’re away. (How many times do we go out the door and forget to turn the thermostat up?) Cooling costs can be reduced 15 to 20% by implementing this change.
4. Use ceiling fans to disperse the air. Your fans should be running counterclockwise to direct the air and “help” your AC unit run more efficiently. (The energy from running the fans is still offset by keeping temperatures more consistent.)
5. Replace those air filters! If possible, replace them monthly. (Yes, I said monthly..) When your filters are clogged and dirty your AC has to work even harder. Filters are inexpensive and they don’t take long to change. If you haven’t changed them in awhile, do it now and then write the date on the new filter when you install.
6. Clean out your ducts. You can use a shop vac or hire a company to do it for you. Debris clogging your ducts makes it harder to disperse the air and once again, your AC has to work harder.
Following these simple tips will not only keep you cooler, they will help lower your monthly bills and help prolong the life of your equipment. With that extra money in your pocket maybe you can take that trip to
Debra Howard is a former antique dealer, retailer and interior designer who now helps small businesses get maximum exposure for their business through her resource directory www.tucsonhomeandgardenspot.com. No part of this article may be copied or reprinted without permission. Copyright 2007 tucsonhomeandgardespot.com