Is Your AC Bill Too High? Expert Tips to Cut Costs
If your AC bill is too high, the issue often comes from inefficient airflow or incorrect thermostat settings. Replacing clogged filters and sealing air leaks can quickly reduce wasted energy.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioners use about 12% of the total energy consumed in U.S. households. All told, this adds up to $29 billion for homeowners annually.
As summer approaches, many homeowners are starting to worry about ways to reduce AC costs. Learn helpful strategies to reduce your HVAC costs without sacrificing comfort in Joplin, MO, below.
How Can Regular Maintenance Improve AC Efficiency?
The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates the average electricity cost to cool homes this summer, between June and September, will reach $778.
Your air conditioning unit needs attention to work efficiently. Regular maintenance of your HVAC system is one of the simplest, most overlooked ways to cut your AC costs, so:
- Schedule annual inspections with a qualified technician
- Keep debris and vegetation away from the outdoor unit for proper airflow
- Change or clean the air filters at least once a month
Investing a little time into these maintenance tasks can improve your system’s performance and extend its lifespan. In turn, it lowers your energy bills.
How Can Smart Thermostat Use Lower Cooling Expenses?
Smart thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely and can learn your schedule to adjust accordingly. You should program your thermostat to:
- Set higher temperatures when you’re away
- Optimize settings based on daily routines
- Receive maintenance alerts
- Reduce cooling during sleeping hours
- Monitor energy usage trends
Innovative smart technology can drastically reduce your energy consumption. It potentially saves you up to 10-20% on your AC bill.
Can Improving Your Home’s Insulation Lower Your Energy Bill?
In addition to maintaining your HVAC system, it’s crucial to ensure your home is well-insulated. Poor insulation leads to significant heat loss in the winter and unwanted heat gain in the summer.
Add insulation to your attic, walls, and floors. Seal gaps around windows and doors. Consider installing energy-efficient windows to minimize air leaks.
Improved insulation can help maintain the desired indoor temperature. Doing so allows your AC to operate less frequently, which reduces costs.
How Can I Embrace Energy-Saving Practices?
Small changes in your daily routine can also lead to significant cost savings. Try implementing energy-saving practices, like:
- Close curtains or shades during the hottest part of the day
- Utilize fans to circulate air effectively
- Limit the use of heat-generating appliances during peak hours
- Keep interior doors open to improve airflow
- Turn off unused electronics and lights
Following these practices can help alleviate the strain on your AC system and keep your bills lower.
End the Cycle of High AC Bills with J&M Smith Heating and Air Conditioning Today
Understanding how your HVAC system operates can help reduce unnecessary energy use. Small changes in daily habits and maintenance routines can lead to noticeable savings on your AC bill. Routine inspections can improve efficiency and help prevent costly repairs.
J&M Smith Heating and Air Conditioning offers affordable, dependable heat and air services in the southwest Missouri region. We’re a certified Rheem dealer and service all makes and models. Let us help you keep your cool this summer.
Contact J&M Smith Heating and Air Conditioning to schedule a service call with us today.
