It’s a hot and sunny afternoon. You’re home on the weekend relaxing in the fresh, cool air when suddenly – your AC stops running. While there are many reasons your unit could have broke down, odds are it could be because your unit is using too much energy. Break free of repairs and save money on your cooling costs with these 5 tips:
Purchase an efficient air conditioner
What do we mean by efficient? Central AC units are rated for efficiency according to their Seasonal Energy-Efficient Ratio (SEER) while window units are rated according to their Energy-Efficiency Ratio (EER). The higher the number, the better the unit.
Say no to incandescent
Standard incandescent bulbs give off much more heat than CFLs and LEDs. In fact, close to 90 percent of the electricity used by incandescent bulbs is converted to heat rather than to light!
Install a programmable thermostat
An easy upgrade that can help you save money is the programmable thermostat. These systems allow you to control the temperature while you’re away at work or on vacation. Did you know that lowering your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re come can cut 5 to 20 percent on your energy bill?
Change the filter
By changing or cleaning your AC filter monthly, you can eliminate the possibility of an air conditioning breakdown, which costs about 7 percent more in energy costs.
Fix leaks
If your home was built well over 20 years ago, chances are your ductwork isn’t properly sealed anymore. What this means is that cool air can get wasted when the ducts run through an attic, crawlspace, or basement. Hire a professional to check on your ductwork for cracks, splits, and bad connections and repair if necessary. An annual AC tune-up can ensure your unit is in tip-top shape and detect leaks as well as other issues early!
If you encounter any problems with your air conditioner or ductwork this summer, turn to the professionals! Blue Mountain Plumbing, Heating and Cooling is professionally trained and ready to help you fix any problem in no time. Call 540-942-2700 to learn more about how we can help.
