How to Save Money on Cooling Bills This Summer

With temperatures already in the 100s in Austin TX, the higher energy bills are about to start rolling in. Once you receive that first summertime cooling bill, you will probably start looking for ways to conserve energy while still keeping your home comfortable. Thankfully there are plenty of ways to do this! Continue reading to find out how you can save on your next energy bill. 

Maintain Your HVAC System

Regular maintenance on your air conditioning system is one of the best ways to keep it functioning at optimum efficiency. When the system is under additional strain and not operating at peak performance, it uses even more energy to cool your home. Replacing filters on a regular basis, along with a professional tune-up can help take some of the strain off the system, and help you save money on cooling bills.  We recommend professional maintenance on your HVAC system twice per year, once for heating and once for cooling. 

Use Your Ceiling Fans

Running your ceiling fans costs significantly less than running your air conditioning system. Due to the wind chill effect of a fan, you should be able to raise your thermostat temperature while still maintaining a cool and comfortable home. Even raising your thermostat two or three degrees can significantly lower your energy bill during the summer. 

Limit Oven Usage 

Running your oven, especially in the hottest part of the day, can increase the temperature in your home by several degrees. This causes your HVAC system to work even harder to maintain the desired temperature in your home, which will lead to increases on your energy bill. Instead, consider grilling or other cooking options that do not require your oven. If you do need to bake something, consider baking in the morning when temperatures outside are a little cooler. 

Use Blinds and Keep Windows and Doors Closed

While most people enjoy natural light in their home, direct sunlight through your windows will increase the temperature in your home. If you do not already have blinds or curtains, consider a light color that will reflect heat away from your windows. It is also important to keep windows closed and limit the amount of time your doors are open. You would be amazed at how quickly the cool air will escape your home and warm air will enter. That being said, if there happens to be a cool morning (think low 70’s), take advantage of that time and open windows to help keep circulate the cooler air throughout your home. 

Seal Air Leaks

To help improve energy efficiency, it is important to inspect your home for air leaks. It is common for air to leak around windows, doors, and ductwork. Keep an eye out for gaps around windows and exterior doors. Gaps are easy to spot because you will see light poking through the frame. Weatherstripping and caulk can be used to seal most air leaks around your house. If you suspect air is leaking from your ductwork, we highly recommend hiring a professional HVAC company to inspect your ductwork and do any necessary sealing. 

Set Your Thermostat to 75 Degrees Fahrenheit or Higher

Many people want to know what the optimal thermostat setting is for summertime. That greatly depends on your family’s preferences, how much you are willing to spend on cooling bills, and how many of the tips above you follow. If you have sealed air leaks, use your ceiling fans, keep blinds closed, and limit oven usage, setting your thermostat to 75 degrees should keep most people comfortable. You may even find that you can raise the temperature above 75 degrees and still be comfortable, allowing you to conserve even more energy.

Consider Replacing Your HVAC System

Although it may seem like a large investment in the beginning, a new system will run much more efficiently than an older one. In many cases, a new system could save you up to 50% on heating and cooling bills each month. If your system is over the 10–15-year mark, it may be close to the end of its lifespan. Replacing the system before it breaks down will help you start saving on energy bills now and help prevent you from going without cool air should a breakdown occur.

HVAC System Replacement in Austin, TX

At Stan’s, we have been providing homeowners in the Austin area with HVAC replacement services for nearly 70 years. If you are in the market for a new HVAC system, Stan’s would be happy to send a Project Manager to your home to walk you through various options and help you select the best system for your home. We frequently run promotions on brand new energy efficient Carrier systems that can help you reduce heating and cooling bills by up to 50%!

Contact Stan’s today for a free estimate on a super energy efficient system!