Operating your thermostat efficiently
- Setting your thermostat as high as comfortably possibly in the summer will lower your overall cooling bill. Every degree below 78 degrees will on average increase your operating costs by up to 8%.
- Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away.
- Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat. These thermostats can make it easy to set back your temperatures at set temperatures or can automatically set back the temperatures while nobody is home.
- Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner - it will not cool your home any faster and will result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
Keeping your cooling system running efficiently
- Check your filters – and replace as needed. If the filter becomes clogged, your system will have to work harder to cool your home. Filters should be checked every 30-60 days, and especially important during the summer while dust and allergens circulate. Be cautious with restrictive air filters – the more costly, usually the more restrictive – the end result is air flow blockage which will affect the capacity and efficiency of the system.
- Air conditioner systems, much like your cars should be inspected, cleaned and tuned by a licensed HVAC professional before the hot season begins.
- Keep plants, shrubs and other landscaping about 24 – 36 inches away from your outdoor air conditioner system to ensure adequate air flow.
- Avoid plaacing lamps, tv sets and other heat producing objects near your thermostat. The thermostat will sense heat from these appliances, which will cause the air conditioner system to run longer than necessary.
- Vacuum and clean registers regularly to remove any dust and debris build.
- Ensure that furnature and other objects are not blocking airflow through your registers.
- Seal cracks and other openings into your home to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
- Check and replace caulk and weatherstripping around windows, doors and vents to seal leaks around leaky doors and windows.
