As the summer months approach, we’re all looking to save money wherever we can. So, why not start with those high energy bills?

The US Department of Energy says air conditioning accounts for up to 40% of your utility bill here in Northeast Ohio. At Hey Neighbor LLC | Ron the Furnace Man, we take energy efficiency very seriously.

We understand that high energy usage is often unavoidable and that air conditioning is essential for comfort during the sweltering summer months. That’s why our five simple tips for staying cool while reducing your air conditioner usage will help you save money each month.

Tip #1: Turn the temperature up.

When you’re home, consider turning the target temperature on your thermostat up a few degrees. For example, if you’re comfortable at 68o F, maybe turn it up to 70° F, and keep it turned up at night as well. These two simple adjustments can save you 10% or more on your monthly bill!

You can save even more by turning up your thermostat further when you’re not home. We recommend increasing the temperature as much as 10° F. You should notice a significant decline in your energy costs.

Tip #2: Schedule and perform regular maintenance.

We strongly recommend seasonal air conditioning maintenance to keep your cooling system running as efficiently as possible. Of course, you should schedule a professional AC tuneup each spring, but you can do a few additional things yourself.

Inspect and clean or replace your air filter. Airflow is vital for efficient central air conditioning system function, and a dirty or clogged filter is the prime suspect when your unit is using too much energy or not cooling well.

Tip #3. Inspect your home’s ductwork, vents, and registers.

For effective cooling in your home, it’s also essential to have well-functioning ductwork. Without adequate duct insulation, sizing, and sealing, your air conditioning system won’t be able to efficiently distribute cool air to each room. If your ducts are restricting the airflow, your system will strain, and you’ll end up paying a fortune on your monthly energy bill.

You can prevent this problem by looking around your home for blocked registers and disconnected or damaged ducts. If you discover an issue with your ductwork or you feel air leaking into uncooled places like your attic or crawlspace, call our professionals at Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling to repair and restore proper airflow to your home.

Tip #4. Use your fans effectively.

Whenever possible, reduce your air conditioner usage and cool your living space by making effective use of ceiling and room fans. Air circulation is an essential part of keeping cool, and our bodies have their own evaporative cooling system (sweat). So, using your fans to keep air circulating helps you stay cool while saving you money, too. Win-win!

Tip #5: Shade equals savings.

Did you know that keeping your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser unit shaded can save you 10% or more on your energy bill? It’s true! A clever way to add some shade while making the area look nicer is to put a lattice blind around the unit. A minimum of two feet of clearance is necessary for optimal operation. While you’re at it, clear the condenser area of leaves and debris.

Inside your home, keeping your curtains and blinds closed during the hottest part of each day to provide shade will also help you save money. When the indoor temperature is lower, your air conditioner doesn’t need to work as hard and uses less energy.

Call Hey Neighbor Heating & Cooling for all your cooling needs

Your comfort is a priority for us, and we want to help you stay as cool as possible in an energy-efficient manner during the warmer months. We’re also here year-round for all your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Call us at 844-HEY-NEIGHBOR or conveniently request service online today!