There’s nothing better during the heat of the summer than to come home after a hard, hot day to a cool home. True, most people wouldn’t dream of living without their air conditioner, but most would rather do without the high energy bills at the end of the month.
In this article, we check out exciting ways to save some green on your AC without getting you hot under the collar.
The Cost of Running AC
Stated by an AC repair expert, no single number shows how much it costs to run an air conditioner because the amount varies according to your climate and your home. However, we can get an average that’s in the ballpark for most homeowners.
To figure out how much money you’re paying to run your AC, you can use a simple formula. First, find out how many amps are drawn by your system; you can find this by looking at the SEER rating, which is usually listed on the inside of the filter panel. As an example, a 5,000 BTU AC has a SEER rating of 5 amps.
Now, multiply the number 5 by the voltage coming out of your outlets, which is usually 110. The formula would look like this: 5×110=550 watts. When you figure out how much you’re paying for a kilowatt hour, you will know how much it costs running your air conditioner.
Turn Off Your AC When Not At Home?
Many people think turning their AC off when they leave the house is a good way to save money but is it?
According to some Dallas HVAC technicians, the answer is yes. If you leave the AC running all day when not home, you’re wasting energy and putting wear and tear on the system.
What’s The Best Temp To Set When Away?
As we’ve discussed, it’s better to turn your system off when you leave the house for a long time. However, you don’t want to come home to an oven either. Most experts say turning your thermostat up two or three degrees will save energy while keeping your house cool. Also, if you’re planning on being away for days, set the thermostat up four degrees more than if you were home, and shut the system off completely if you will be out a week or more.
How To Lower Your AC Bills
- Beef up your insulation to keep the cold air in.
- Get a programmable thermostat to regulate temperatures when you’re away or sleeping.
- Maintain your air conditioner to keep it running efficiently and ensure a long lifespan.
- Use thick curtains or blinds to keep the sun from coming in and heating your home.
- Use ceiling fans to help circulate the cool air and put less stress on your AC.
Saving money on your energy bills is easy if you do a little planning, and you can do it without sacrificing your comfort, and without putting stress on your air conditioning system.
