Using an inefficient air conditioning system during the summer can lead to large energy bills. If your home’s AC unit costs hundreds of dollars a month, there are several things our team recommends for homeowners to improve their cooling system’s energy efficiency.
Check out these tips from Air Services, the experts in HVAC, to reduce your air conditioning bill this summer in Springfield, MO. These simple steps can make a big difference in your monthly costs while keeping your home comfortable.
Keep Your AC Filters Clean
Air filters are used to catch dirt, allergens, and debris that filter through your air duct system and vents that help cool your home. As a result, they can become clogged with dust, hair, and other airborne particles that make it hard for your air conditioning unit to function properly.
When the filters are clogged, your AC has to work harder to force air to flow through the system. This means it uses more energy and costs you more money. That’s why our experts at Air Services are here to help. We specialize in AC maintenance services and air filter replacement to allow air to flow more efficiently throughout your home and air conditioning unit.
Most filters should be changed every one to three months, depending on your home’s conditions. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you might need to change them more often. A clean filter helps your system run more efficiently and can significantly reduce your energy costs.
Schedule a Professional System Tune-Up
Not all problems with AC energy efficiency stem from the filters. Over the years, air conditioning systems can develop other problems that prevent them from operating at full efficiency. These issues might not be obvious, but they can still cost you money.
To find out why your air conditioner isn’t as efficient as it used to be, schedule a regular maintenance checkup with a professional HVAC contractor like Air Services in Springfield, MO. Our HVAC tune-up service can help ensure that your air conditioning system runs as efficiently as possible throughout the summer and lower your monthly energy bill.
During a tune-up, a technician will check all the important components of your system. They’ll clean coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and test the system’s overall performance. This helps catch small problems before they become big ones and keeps your system running at peak efficiency.
Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency
If your home has a hard time keeping heat from entering your living spaces, your air conditioning system will need to work harder to combat the temperature rise. This means higher energy bills and more wear on your system.
Insulating your home can make it easier and cheaper to cool in summer, as well as improve heating efficiency in winter. Consider adding insulation to your crawlspaces and attic, as well as sealing up any gaps around your windows and door frames to prevent cooled air from escaping.
Keep windows and doors closed while the air conditioner is running, and close your blinds to prevent direct sunlight from overheating your home. These simple steps can make a big difference in how hard your AC has to work.
You might also want to consider using ceiling fans to help circulate cool air. Fans don’t actually cool the air, but they make you feel cooler, which means you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher and still be comfortable.
When It’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner
New air conditioning units are usually more efficient than systems that exceed ten years old. If an AC system tune-up doesn’t bring the energy efficiency of your air conditioner up to an acceptable level, consider investing in a new air conditioning unit.
Modern air conditioners use less energy to do the same job as older models. This means lower utility bills and better performance. The savings on your energy bills can help offset the cost of a new system over time.
Air Services in Springfield, MO can help you update your system to improve energy efficiency in your home. We’ll help you choose a system that fits your cooling needs and your budget, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.