As summer approaches in the Houston area, you may be looking for ways to reduce monthly utility bills. According to the Department of Energy, heating and air conditioning account for almost half of all household energy use in the U.S. One of the best ways to reduce the cost of air conditioning is to keep your unit in good working order. This also avoids untimely breakdowns and the need to call for emergency Cypress AC repair. Here are several tips to lower your monthly utility bills without compromising comfort.
Have Seasonal AC Tune-ups
Preventive maintenance keeps your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning running smoothly, which reduces energy usage and saves money. It reduces the risk of needing Cypress air conditioning repair by approximately 95 percent, ensuring comfort during Houston’s hot, humid summer days. Cleaning the air filter regularly can reduce the unit’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Many local AC repair companies offer energy-saving maintenance plans for various brands of HVAC equipment.
Reduce Solar Gain
Reducing the load on your air conditioner reduces energy usage. During the summer, rooftop temperatures can reach as high as 190 degrees F depending on the type of roof. This heat radiates into your living space, requiring the air conditioner to work harder to maintain a cool temperature. The unit may run for longer periods or cycle more frequently. Frequent starts and stops overtax the compressor, eventually requiring Cypress AC repair. Shade trees, cool roofs, and thermal barriers keep this heat from entering your home.
Keep blinds, curtains and other window coverings closed during the day. Exterior awnings over windows reduce solar gain by up to 77 percent depending on the orientation of the window. Remove them or use retractable models that allow sunlight to enter during cooler months.
Use Ceiling Fans
The breeze of ceiling fans circulates air throughout a room, creating a wind-chill effect that helps you feel cooler. You can raise the temperature on the thermostat by 4 degrees when you use ceiling fans with air conditioning. When you leave a room, turn the fan off. Energy Star-labelled fans save even more.
Upgrade to Energy-efficient Heating and Cooling
If your air conditioner needs frequent repairs or is causing utility bills to soar, installing an energy-efficient HVAC system can save money and energy. Inverter technology, zoned systems, ductless mini-splits, and heat pumps offer energy-savings of between 20 and 70 percent. AirDepot provides free estimates for Cypress AC replacements and new installations. We recommend high-quality equipment that meets your indoor comfort needs and budget.
AirDepot are available 24 hours a day to keep you comfortable. Call us to sign up for a maintenance plan, ask about upgrading to energy-efficient equipment, or schedule Cypress AC repair to improve the performance of your HVAC unit.
