5 Ways to Save Money on Your AC and Summer Energy Bill

As summer approaches in Port Orchard, most residents are all looking to save some pennies wherever possible. So why not start with your costly energy bill? After all, the US Department of Energy says air conditioning can account for 35 to 40 percent of your utility bill.

High energy bills are sometimes unavoidable when air conditioning is crucial for comfort during the hot months. But that doesn’t mean you aren’t without energy-saving options.

At Dana’s Heating & Cooling, we take energy efficiency seriously. That’s why our five simple tips for staying cool and using your air conditioner (AC) less may help you cut costs and save money on your monthly energy bill.

1. Turn up the temperature.
2. Keep up with regular maintenance.
3. Inspect your air ducts.
4. Utilize fans.
5. Remember to shade.

How to Save on Your Energy Bill

1. Turn up the temperature.

When you’re not home, turn your air conditioning up a few degrees—ideally, about 7–10 degrees from your normal “at home” setting. For example, if you like your AC at 72 when you are home, set it to 79 when you are gone. A programmable or smart thermostat can help you to successfully remember to do this each day.

When the thermostat is raised for 8 hours or more, you can save up to 10 percent on your monthly bill.

You should turn up your thermostat when you are home as well. While 72 is quite comfortable as the sun bears down on Port Orchard, it is a lot of work on your air conditioner to maintain that cool difference. Bump up your thermostat a few degrees and supplement your cooling with fans and closed blinds to help cut costs when you are home.

2. Keep up with regular maintenance.

We strongly recommend regular air conditioner maintenance to keep your cooling system running as efficiently as possible. Schedule a professional tune-up for your AC and furnace at least once a season, but you should also do a few additional things yourself between maintenance visits.

• Check your air filter and replace it every 30-90 days. Airflow is crucial for efficient air conditioner function, and a dirty or clogged air filter is the prime suspect when a unit uses too much energy. 
• Keep your vents clean and unobstructed to prevent air flow issues.
• Maintain a 2-foot perimeter around your outdoor unit; debris and foliage can also cause restricted air flow.
• Gently clean your indoor and outdoor coils at the beginning of each season. This one can be left to the pros if you are not comfortable with a DIY.

3. Inspect your air ducts.

It’s also important to have functioning air ducts for effective cooling in your Port Orchard, home. Without adequate duct insulation, sizing, or sealing, your air conditioning system cannot carry cool air from room to room efficiently.

If this is the case, you will end up pushing out more air than you are using and paying a fortune on your monthly energy bill.

You can prevent this by looking around your home for blocked registers or disconnected and damaged ducts. If you suspect an issue with your ductwork or find air leaking into unwanted places like your attic or crawl space, call one of our Dana’s Heating & Cooling professionals to come repair and restore proper airflow to your ducts.

4. Utilize fans.

Whenever possible, turn up your thermostat settings and combat your home’s warmer temperature by making use of ceiling and room fans. Air circulation is a huge factor in feeling cool. Our bodies have their own evaporative cooling system (sweat), and utilizing fans to keep air circulating helps us to stay cool.

5. Remember to shade.

Keeping your blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to shade your interior can also help to save you money, especially if you have any sun-facing windows. With lower interior temperatures, your air conditioner won’t need to work as hard and will use less energy.

Call Dana’s Heating & Cooling for All Your Cooling Needs Near Port Orchard

At Dana’s Heating & Cooling, we are here for all your air conditioning needs. Your comfort is a high priority to us, and we want to help you keep your home as cool as possible during the warmer months in Port Orchard.

Ready to schedule an AC tune-up for the summer? Call us at 360-226-7369 or request service online today!