The demand for electricity is rising a lot during summer and it can even cause power outages. The costs of cooling down your home can get very high and now, with the changing climate, it might just get a lot worse in the future. We all love coming to a chilly home after a long day outside on a thousand degrees and the air conditioner is probably going to be on for the majority of the day. However, there are ways to keep your air conditioning unit from hurting your wallet. Follow these steps and you’ll be reducing your electric bill in no time.
Contents
Hire a cooling contractor
Maybe it’s an annual check-up, maybe you need a new unit to be installed. In any case, you need to hire a contractor to do the work for you. They will inspect the place, provide you with the examples of quality installation, submit a warranty and explain the benefits of regular maintenance. When it comes to Toronto air conditioning repair shops are numerous. Do some research and take your pick.
Clean the filter and maintain the ducts and vents
Img source: moneycrashers.com
A dirty, dusty filter can reduce the airflow causing you to use your AC more often and for longer periods of time which consequently leads to a higher electric bill. Make sure to clean the filter monthly and reduce energy use around 10 percent. The air ducts need to be insulated and you should regularly check for holes and leaks. Sometimes, you’re going to need the help of the specialist. Once a year, hire a professional to check for holes or leaks and fix everything that needs fixing.
Keep the AC in the shade
By keeping the unit in the shade, you’re helping it run properly since the exposure to the sun will make it more difficult for the unit to cool the air. Also, you don’t want to keep your thermostat in the proximity of any heat sources such as lamps, TV sets, and similar. The heat coming off those objects can keep your AC on for longer periods of time.
Don’t leave your thermostat set on one constant temperature
By doing this, you’re wasting a lot of energy. You don’t need the AC to maintain the same temperature when you’re away as when you’re at home. A programmable thermostat is made for people who are away from home during certain times of day every day. You can adjust the settings to match your family’s needs and keep you comfortable during the day without wasting energy.
Img source: bijlibachao.com
Adding insulation
Insulation can keep you cooler during summer and warmer during winter while significantly lowering your energy bills. The most practical place to add insulation that will also have the greatest effect on your savings is the attic. Proper insulation can be extremely helpful during the hottest and the coldest times of the year.
Don’t shut all the doors
Keep the proper airflow in the house by keeping some doors open. Closing the doors can stop the airflow and cause the AC to work poorly. Perhaps you should consider keeping the doors ajar, instead of closing them completely.
