8 ways to lower a high electric bill
Here in Garland, TX, heat is often the most of our worries. We always know the brutal heat is coming, yet, we’re often still not prepared for it. Suddenly, we’re scrambling for ways to stay cool. But, at what expense? Believe it or not, it is possible to stay cool within your home without having an obnoxiously high electric bill. Here are 8 simple ways to lower your electricity bill this summer:
1. Open A/C Vents
This may seem like common sense; however, make sure your air conditioner vents are opened instead of closed. Especially with apartments, you are moving into a place where someone else already lived. That person may have had a vent or two closed. The same goes for moving into a new home. When a vent is closed, it forces air to go elsewhere, taking longer for the dwelling to cool and forcing more work from the A/C unit.
2. Clean or Replace Air Filters
This one hardly gets done, at least at the rate it should. Air filters are purposed to collect dust, debris and bacteria in order to prevent such substances from reaching the living space. Air filters are helpful, though, unwanted substances can buildup, and the more build up the less cool air that will be able to pass through the filter. As a result, you’re A/C unit will once again have to work harder, costing you in energy. Therefore, it is recommended air filters be cleaned or replaced once a month. The good news is you can buy a pack of air filters for very cheap at practically any department store.
3. Program your Thermostat
If you don’t have one already, make sure you invest in a programmable thermostat. There is no sense to have your air conditioning or heating unit running when no one is home. A programmable thermostat will of course enable you to program the operation of your thermostat throughout each day of the week. You can program your thermostat to turn on at 4:30 in the afternoon to ensure your home is cool when you walk in the door from work at 5:30. Experts also advice the ideal temperature to set a thermostat is 78°. Ideal meaning a happy medium between comfort and efficiency.
4. Make Wise Use of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are more than just decoration. In fact, their primary use is to assist with cooling. Fans promote the idea of giving your A/C system a break. Specifically, after your A/C unit runs, turn on the fan and turn off the A/C. This way your fan will create an airflow of cold air, keeping your home comfortable while avoiding a high electric bill.
5. Seal your Home
Make sure you are not allowing hot air to get into your home through inadequately sealed windows or doors. Vice versa, don’t allow cool air to leave your home. You can prevent both by sealing your windows and doors with basic caulking and weather-stripping.
6. Unplug Electronics
Electronics are certainly necessary, but not at all times. Whenever your TV is not being watched or your game system not being played, turn it off. Also, unplug it. This can gradually reduce a high electric bill. It may not be reasonable to unplug frequently used electronics all the time. Thus, the best of both worlds thought is to plug related items into an electric strip. You can then just turn off the strip rather than unplug each plug individually.
7. Close Blinds/Shades
A super simple way to save energy is closing your blinds and/or shades at the hottest times of the day. This especially applies to shades that exist in rooms in which the sun bares down. An easy way to accomplish this is to close your blinds before you leave for work and then open them when you return home.
8. A/C Check-up/Tune-up
Above all, have an HVAC expert conduct a systems check-up/tune-up before the summer hits. An expert will make sure your air conditioning unit is prepped for the summer heat and at optimal energy-efficiency.
These tips on lowering a high electric bill come to you from AC Repair Garland. Our experts can execute a pre-summer tune-up for you. We can also help you with any and all HVAC issues. We strive to make each of our customer’s home’s comfortable and efficient. Contact AC Repair Garland today at (469) 229-7740! Also, visit our blog for additional helpful information.