The cool weather has yet to arrive, and if you’re feeling the heat like us, your AC is still kicked into high gear. Sometimes, it can be hard to stay cool without going broke! Running your AC will cool your home down, of course, but it may also create quite the electric bill if you’re not careful. Luckily, there are ways to save on your AC costs without being forced to sweat it out. As an AC company working in Yankton, SD for nearly 40 years, we know a thing or two about this. So here are our best tips…
3 Ways to Save Money on Your AC
Whether your AC is a new unit or one you’ve had for a while, you can still find ways to save money while staying cool:
1. Seal your ducts.
Leaky ducts are a huge waste of energy. Not only do they let cold air escape before it ever reaches your home, but they make your unit work harder than it should, forcing you into early repairs and sometimes even a total unit replacement. With this in mind, make a point to regularly inspect your ducts for leaks. When you find them, repair the cracks with metal tape or mastic sealants. If you prefer, you can hire a professional AC company to repair and maintain your system for you. Some companies offer planned maintenance programs, which can help you identify and repair leaks before they become a significant issue for your home’s efficiency, saving you more money over time.
2. Use a programmable (or “smart”) thermostat.
When an AC unit is working well, it doesn’t have to run at full blast all the time to keep your home fresh. With this in mind, consider investing in a thermostat like the Nest. These thermostats give you a way to adjust the temperature based on your daily schedule. For example, you can keep your home warmer when you’re gone for the day and cooler at night when you’re home. In addition to saving you major bucks on your energy bill, these thermostats are also a good way to make your home more energy-efficient overall.
3. Make your home cool during the day.
Waking up to the morning sun is refreshing, but it can also cause your home to accumulate excess heat that never seems to dissipate during the day. To help your AC keep things cool, protect your home against excess sunlight and heat. When it’s hot out, pull the shades and close the windows during the day, and save heat-generating activities (like running the dishwasher or clothes dryer) for the evening, when temperatures have dipped. You might also consider grilling outside rather than running the oven or stove and keeping sliding glass doors closed whenever you’re not going in or out. These are simple changes, but they’ll go a long way toward making your home cooler and more efficient!
Bonus: Use a ceiling fan.
Ceiling fans seem like simple things, but they’re an excellent way to keep air circulating through the home and make your home’s rooms more comfortable to be in. Plus, they’re less expensive to run than your air conditioner. For best results, use your ceiling fan in conjunction with your AC. This combination will disperse cooled air more efficiently and help you increase your home’s thermostat temperature without feeling uncomfortable.
Cooling Tips from Our AC Company in Yankton, SD
We know that sometimes, it’s hard to beat the heat! When you want to keep cool but don’t want to pay the price, consider these simple AC hacks to help you stay comfortable and keep your electric bill from breaking any records. If you need AC service or AC repair in Yankton, Vermillion, or a surrounding community, our AC company is here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team!
