During the hot summer months, we are all looking to save some pennies where we can. So why not start with your costly utility bills?
The US Department of Energy (DOE) says air conditioning can account for 35 to 40 percent of your utility bill here in Delaware. At Burns & McBride, we take energy efficiency seriously.
We understand high energy bills are sometimes unavoidable when air conditioning is crucial for comfort during the hot months. 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.
When you’re home, turn your air conditioning up a few degrees. If you are comfortable at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, turn it up to 70, and keep it turned up at night. Just doing these two things can save you up to 10 percent on your monthly bill.
You should turn up your thermostat when not home as well. We recommend increasing the temperature 7 to 10 degrees and you should notice a dip in your energy costs.
2. Keep up with regular maintenance.
We strongly recommend regular air conditioner maintenance to keep your cooling system running as efficiently as possible. There is no “Check Engine” light on your air conditioner. A dirty or improperly charged unit is costing you money to run and is more prone to unexpected breakdowns. You should schedule a professional tune-up at least once a season, but there are a few additional things you can do yourself. Visit our website to see how one of Membership Plans could help.
Check, clean, and/or replace your air filter. Airflow is so important for efficient air conditioner function. A dirty or clogged air filter is choking the airflow in your system and is one of the biggest culprits we run across in causing service calls.
3. Consider a Whole House Dehumidifier
Central air conditioning units work by removing hot air from your building and blowing in fresh, refrigerated air. Central air conditioning also works to lower humidity levels to increase the efficiency of cooling efforts and make your building more comfortable. The air conditioner works to reduce humidity levels by condensing water vapor into liquid and then draining the excess. You’ve probably seen this drain line. Normally it provides effective dehumidification in most conditions. But Delaware is known for hot humid summer days. When indoor humidity levels spike, most systems can’t cope. High humidity cancels out the air conditioner’s cooling effect. When the humidity is too high, your home will feel warmer than it is. You may find yourself running the air conditioner harder for longer and not getting the desired effects.
An Aprilaire Whole House Dehumidifier provides a professional level solution to this problem. Capable of removing up to 100 pints of water per day from your home, these Energy Star rated products come with a five year warranty and qualify for a $400 rebate under the Energize Delaware program. Visit our website to learn more about this.
4. Inspect your air ducts.
For effective cooling in your Wilmington home, it’s also important to have functioning air ducts. Look around your home for closed or blocked registers. Many people think that by closing registers in unused rooms they are pushing more air into the spaces they use. This can cause more problems than you are solving.
4. Utilize fans.
Whenever possible, turn down your air conditioner and supplement your Wilmington home’s warmer temperature by making use of ceiling and room fans. Air circulation is a huge factor in keeping cool. Our bodies have their own evaporative cooling system (sweat), and utilizing fans to keep air circulating helps us use this to stay cool.
5. Remember to shade.
Keeping your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser shaded and cool can save you up to 10 percent on your bill. Check the condenser for debris and growth, and clear away anything covering the coils. A minimum of a two-foot clearance is a recommended rule of thumb.
Keeping the coils exposed is important for airflow. Be sure you gently clean the coils at the beginning of each season before using your system for the first time.
Additionally, keeping your blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to shade your interior can also help to save you money. With inside temperatures being lower, your air conditioner won’t need to work as hard and will use less energy.
Call Us for All Your Cooling Needs
At Burns & McBride, we are here for all your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Your comfort is a high priority to us, and we want to help you keep your Wilmington, DE, home as cool as possible in an energy-efficient manner during the warmer months. Call us at 302-656-5110 or request service online today!
