It’s summer. The mercury is rising, but the sweat starts forming when the utility bills arrive. Energy costs are soaring!
Expensive energy means expensive air conditioning. Just in time for another hot summer. There are things you can do to control the high cost of comfort.
Control Your Thermostat Setting
Raising your thermostat setting a degree or two really does make a difference in your air conditioning usage. While it varies based on your air conditioner efficiency, the temperature, and humidity levels, you can generally expect a savings of 10% to 15% from raising your thermostat two degrees.
Of course, it goes without saying that you should set back your thermostat when no one’s home. If you have trouble remembering to set your thermostat back, invest in a programmable thermostat and forget about it.
Control Your Fans
Air movement helps you feel cooler by aiding in the evaporation of perspiration. Ceiling and floor fans can give the sensation of comfort at a higher thermostat setting. But, operating a fan when you are not in the room, uses energy for no benefit and adds heat from the fan motor. It’s more important to turn fans off than lights when leaving a room.
Control your heat sources
Lights, appliances, cooking and consumer electronics add heat. Turn lights off when not in use and replace old incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents. Compact fluorescents use less energy and generate less heat.
A lot of appliances continue to draw low levels of power when off or in standby mode. This costs money and adds heat. A decade ago, a Lawrence Berkeley Labs study estimates that Americans waste $1 Billion from standby energy loss alone. You may not mind the heat gain and energy loss from a DVR, set to record your favorite TV show or sports program, but there’s no reason for many electronic products to remain in standby mode. Plug them into power strips that can be switched off.
Cooking is another significant heat source. Move it outdoors in the summer by using a backyard grill whenever possible. When it’s not possible, try to use a toaster over rather than a full size oven.
Control Your Air Conditioner
One of the single most important things you can do to reduce your energy usage while improving comfort is to get annual air conditioning service. An air conditioner precision tune-up has been documented in utility research studies to save more than its costs with summer operation alone. Plus, it prevents breakdowns, restores lost capacity, extends equipment life, and keeps you in compliance with manufacturer warranty requirements.
Sooner or later, you will replace your air conditioner. The average life for an air conditioner is 15 years. For a heat pump, it’s less, around 12 years. If your system is closing in on, or past the average, it may be worth considering a replacement now. Air conditioners are 30% more efficient than in recent years. Depending on the age and condition of your existing system, it’s entirely possible that we can cut your air conditioning usage in half! Plus, we can improve the air quality (great for pet owners and allergy and asthma sufferers). Call Marty today – 716-681-0100.