Remember To Do These 3 Things Before Leaving for School Drop-Off!
The summer break from school is already coming to an end, which means it’s time to stock up on school supplies, dust off the lunchboxes, and formulate a fool-proof strategy to get the kids out the door on time every morning. But just because summer vacation is nearly over doesn’t mean the summer heat is going anywhere - there are still plenty of warm days ahead before fall.
Of course, with the warm weather comes more AC use, which always means higher utility bills. So to help homeowners save money and improve their home’s energy efficiency in the final days of summer, here are three easy ways to give the air conditioner a break.
Close the Shades and Curtains
The first way to cut down on cooling costs is to keep the shades and curtains closed during the day. Late-summer sunshine carries plenty of heat with it wherever it goes, and ordinary home windows will do very little to stop it. All of that warm sunlight beaming in through the windows all day long can raise the home’s temperature to a surprising degree, causing the AC to work harder and stay on longer.
Keeping the sunlight out - especially during the long afternoons - will help keep the home cool and reduce the strain on the AC unit. Although it may seem like an insignificant measure, it’s anything but - HVAC experts include the number and position of the home’s windows as a factor in their Manual J calculation, which determines the proper unit size and energy output for a given home.
Set the Thermostat To a Higher Temperature
The next way to lower the energy bill is to raise the temperature on the thermostat by a few degrees during the daytime. The lower the temperature setting, the harder the AC unit will have to work to achieve it, so setting a higher temperature is a great way to give it a rest. Doing this for several hours every day can lead to some considerable savings.
Instead of manually adjusting the thermostat, one can program this change into the thermostat for every day of the week - some of today’s smart thermostats can even sense when no one’s home and shut off the AC automatically. But homeowners can also do this when they’re at home and simply turn on a fan or two for a more energy-efficient way to help keep things cool.
Stay on Top of Filter Replacements
The third way to reduce energy consumption and save a few bucks is to replace the air filter before it gets too dirty. Nothing hinders an AC unit’s performance like a clogged air filter - primarily by restricting the intake airflow. This will cause the blower unit to struggle along at a diminished capacity, consuming more electricity and producing less cool air.
A clean filter (one that’s not too dense for the unit) will allow the system to operate efficiently and without undue wear and tear on its components. Changing the filter every 3 months works for most homes but may not be adequate for others, particularly if there are many pets or the home is prone to accumulating dust. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a professional to determine the home's ideal filter replacement schedule (and filter type).
About City Plumbing
The friendly experts at City Plumbing have been handling Philadelphia, PA’s HVAC and plumbing needs for over 20 years. Their honesty, reliability, and superior standard of service have earned them several awards and a growing list of 5-star reviews. They offer 24-hour emergency service and back up every job with a total satisfaction guarantee. Call now for AC services!
