As the summer heats up, lower your outgoing costs on keeping your place cool.
Summer air conditioning bills can take a big bite out of your budget. If your HVAC system isn’t delivering its best performance, those bills can get even higher. When faced with poor energy efficiency, many people assume that they need to upgrade or replace their equipment, and sometimes this is the case. However, older systems may still be viable, and there are ways to keep your home cool without having to upgrade your unit. Without spending a fortune this summer, here’s how to keep your place cool.
Keep the AC low at night. During the night, you don’t require the same level of conscious cool. Try turning your AC down (so it is running less) during your sleep hours, or if your unit has one, utilize the ‘sleep mode’ that lowers the output on a timer.
Close off vents. The basement is often the coolest part of the house, so try closing all the vents in the lower portion of your home. The cool air will slink down there naturally, and by closing the vents, you’re forcing the air up first, cooling as it comes down.
Service your unit. If your filter is filthy and clogged, your AC unit may be working harder to keep your house cool. Some basic maintenance is needed to ensure that it is running effectively, saving your wallet from repairs and high cooling costs!
Check your ducts. Making sure the areas where the ducts run through parts of your home without air conditioning (like the attic) are properly insulated will keep the air coming in as cool as it can be. Paying for half cool air isn’t ideal!
Rearrange your furniture. Furniture that obstructs air conditioning vents means that you’ll be paying to keep the back of the sofa cool all summer long. Try moving around your furniture to ensure that you get the maximum flow of the air conditioner.
Turn off the lights. Turning lights off can help to reduce your heat. Similarly, sunlight lets in heat, so be sure to close the curtains midday to keep your home cool.
Do you have the homeowners insurance to protect yourself in case a covered disaster strikes your home? To learn more about the policies you should have, contact Lou Aggetta Insurance Services in Pleasant Hill in California.