Chances are that if you want a dry, arid summer season, you are not going to be moving to the Pacific Northwest. We have a fair amount of gray, rainy weather around here. That does not mean that temperatures never get oppressively hot during the summer season, though. It may not be Phoenix-level hot, but the fact is you are going to be using your air conditioner with some regularity over the course of the summer season. You don’t want to be paying more than you should have to in order to cool your home when you do.
No matter how much you may run your AC, you want to keep your energy bills to a minimum. More affordable cooling does not mean that you have to entirely replace your air conditioning system, though. Keep the following tips in mind, and run your air conditioner in Lake Stevens, WA without dreading the arrival of your next electricity bill.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
If you don’t mind spending a little up front to enjoy considerable long-term savings, then think about upgrading your thermostat. This is one of the best ways in which to start controlling your air conditioner more precisely and living more comfortably, all while cutting down on cooling costs. We recommend that you at least opt for a programmable model, though more tech-friendly homeowners should definitely think about using a smart thermostat.
Use Your Ceiling Fans
Some homeowners seem to think that the ceiling fans are really there to take over for the AC on the days that it’s cool enough to get by without it. This isn’t quite the whole picture, though. Yes, a fan is great for that use — however, the ceiling fan is also a great supplement to an air conditioner. It helps to keep the air flowing throughout the house and you can rely on the actual cooling of the air a bit less.
Block Out the Sun
This is a big one. When it’s bright and sunny out, your instinct may be to pull the blinds or curtains back and let the sun fill the house. That’s fine, but keep in mind the fact that this is essentially passive solar heating. The heat gain from the sun’s rays can be considerable. If you’re not going to be home to enjoy the sunshine anyway, keeping the shades drawn will help to keep heat out, and your AC won’t have to work as hard to ensure that the house is comfortable when you get back.
Ventilate!
Even on hot days, things cool down considerably at night. Why not shut off the AC, open the windows, and let some cool, fresh night air in? That way you can enjoy improved Indoor Air Quality as well as a rollback on your energy costs. Just shut the windows when you wake up, trapping the cool air in, and you are giving your air conditioner a head start on the day’s cooling demand.
Schedule your AC services with G & S Heating Cooling & Electric.
