According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioning costs are the largest energy expense for your home. But that doesn’t mean that you have to be stuck paying huge utility bills every summer. By following a few simple tips, you can reduce your Mississippi home’s air conditioning costs considerably. Below, we outline three great tips to get you started.
Use a Ceiling Fan
When turned on, ceiling fans can make you feel 6 to 7 degrees cooler than the actual indoor temperature, which can be a big energy saver during the summer. To do this optimally, raise the AC thermostat by as much as 4 degrees and turn on the ceiling fan. With both running, you shouldn’t feel any change in temperature or discomfort. Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave the room or the house. If you leave it on continuously, you’ll waste energy.
Close the Curtains
Although the sun is a wonderful source of natural light, keeping your windows open throughout the summer can increase your home’s indoor temperature and result in higher energy costs. To avoid this, keep your curtains, blinds, and shades closed or lowered. You can also invest in highly reflective blinds, which reduce solar heat gain by
45 percent; or solar screens, which reduce solar heat gain by up to
70 percent.
Maintain Your AC
By maintaining your AC, you’ll ensure that it works efficiently and effectively and keeps your cooling costs as low as possible. On your own, you can replace the unit’s air filters every month. This will lower energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. However, for more complex maintenance tasks, plan to hire a professional. During an
air conditioning maintenance appointment, the HVAC contractor will ensure that the evaporator and condenser are unobstructed, that all parts are working properly, and more.
By following these three great tips, you can successfully reduce your air conditioning costs. To learn more about your AC system or to find an HVAC contractor near you, visit
AC Southeast®.
