Scorching temps are just around the corner but there are steps you can take today to ensure your comfort tomorrow. While switching to a high-efficiency AC unit is always an option, there are other changes you can make that will end up saving you a lot of money over the summer.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
One of the biggest wastes in cooling a home is cooling it when you’re not there (or awake) to enjoy it. If you spend daytime hours, when your system is working its hardest, away from the home there’s no reason to keep it at 72 degrees. Same idea for while you’re sleeping. Programmable thermostats are inexpensive, easy to install and can save you the cost it took to buy it in 1-2 months of usage.
Turn Off Ceiling Fans
Don’t leave a ceiling fan running when you’re not in the room. It doesn’t cool the air, it merely recirculates it. There’s no reason to leave it on when you leave the home or plan on being in another room for a while.
Escape the Afternoon Sun
For people living up north, everyone wants a southern or western exposure because the afternoon sun warms the house nicely. Here in Florida, if your home gets afternoon sun you know how hard that air conditioner is working. To combat those warm rays, keep blinds and drapes closed, install awnings outside of those windows to prevent the rays from beating in directly, and/or consider applying a solar film to your windows.
Maintain Your AC
AC repair and maintenance should be done in the shoulder months of the spring and fall. It’s less time-consuming because the demand is lower and you’ll have peace of mind that your system is operating efficiently. While we offer 24-hour emergency A/C repair there is no reason to risk operating a system that is not working at full capacity. If something causes your system to overwork, your electric bill will show it.
Cut Down on the Indoor Cooking
Nothing heats up a home like an oven. If you’re cooking a big meal in the summer, your oven is putting out a lot of heat that your AC then has to compensate for. Instead use summer as a time to eat more salads or use your outdoor grill to cook.
Make Laundry Plans
Many homeowners in Florida are fortunate, our clothes dryers are in our garages. While that may seem inconvenient sometimes, there’s a reason for this. The dryer puts out a large amount of heat as it dries your clothes. If your dryer is indoors, your home is heating up. Plan to line dry your clothes in the summer or if you find it’s too humid or your neighborhood doesn’t allow you to line dry, dry your clothes in the dryer in the evenings after the air temps have cooled. This way your system won’t have to work as hard.
Now is the perfect time to look into AC repair. Call Easy A/C for AC repair & maintenance. Tampa AC technicians are standing by at 813-COLDAIR.