5 Ways to Save Money on Your Air Conditioning and Summer Energy Bill

As the summer months approach, we are all looking to save some pennies where we can. So why not start with your costly utility bills?  

The US Department of Energy says that air conditioning can account for 35 to 40 percent of your utility bill here in Texas. At Golden Rule, we take energy efficiency seriously. We understand sometimes high energy bills are unavoidable when air conditioning is crucial for comfort during the hot months. That’s why our five simple tips for staying cool and using your air conditioner less may help you cut costs and save money on your monthly energy bill.

1. Don’t run your AC when you aren’t home.

The easiest and quickest way to save money is to not use your air conditioner when you don’t need it or aren’t at home. One convenient way to do this is to invest in one of our smart or programmable thermostats. 

You can program these thermostats to turn the air conditioner on half an hour before you get home, so you will not have to wait for the house to cool down after work. Our company offers a variety of thermostat options to fit every home, so call us for more information or to schedule your installation today.

2. Turn up the temperature.

When you are home, turn your air conditioning up a few degrees. If you are comfortable at 68 degrees, turn it up to 70, and keep it turned up at night. Just doing these two things can save you up to 10 percent on your monthly bill. 

Supplement the warmer temperature by making use of ceiling fans and bed fans. Air circulation is a huge factor in keeping cool. Our bodies have their own evaporative cooling system (sweat), and utilizing fans to keep air circulating helps us use this to stay cool.

3. Keep up with regular maintenance.

We strongly recommend regular air conditioner maintenance to keep your unit running as efficiently as possible. You should schedule a professional tune-up at least once a season, but there are a few additional things you can do yourself. 

Check, clean, and/or replace your air filter. Airflow is so important for efficient air conditioner function, and a dirty or clogged air filter is the prime suspect when a unit is using too much energy.  

4. Inspect your air ducts.

For effective cooling in your home, it’s also important to have functioning air ducts. Without adequate duct insulation, sizing, or sealing, your air conditioning system will not be able to efficiently carry cool air from room to room. If this is the case, you will end up pushing out more air than you are using and paying a fortune on your monthly energy bill. 

You can prevent this by looking around your home for blocked registers, or disconnected or damaged ducts. If you suspect an issue with your ductwork, or find air leaking into unwanted places like your attic or crawl space, call one of our professionals to come repair and restore proper airflow to your ducts.

5. Remember to shade.

Keeping your outdoor condenser shaded and cool can save you up to 10 percent on your bill. Check the condenser for debris and growth, and clear away anything covering the coils. Keeping the coils exposed is important for airflow. Be sure you clean the coils at the beginning of each season before using your system for the first time.