Stay Cool and Save Money On Hot Summer Nights With These Air Conditioning Tips

Three Ways To Cool Down Without Breaking the Bank

The dog days of summer are here, and California homeowners are doing everything possible to stay cool. Drinking ice-cold lemonade and dips in the swimming pool certainly help, but that’s not the most practical long-term solution. Instead, most people hunker down inside and turn the AC on full blast.

Unfortunately, with hot nights and hotter days, the AC will work hard around the clock to meet the thermostat’s demands, making for a pretty hefty electric bill. But comfort shouldn’t cost a fortune, so this article will lay out three tips to help homeowners improve energy efficiency and get the most out of their air conditioners this summer!

Raise the Thermostat Temperature a Few Degrees

One effective way to reduce air conditioning costs is to use the air conditioner less or reduce its workload. Raising the thermostat's temperature by just a few degrees can dramatically reduce energy usage. Homeowners can save an estimated 3% on cooling costs for each degree (Fahrenheit) above 72 they adjust their thermostat. So, just by setting their thermostats to 78 degrees instead of 72, homeowners can potentially save 18% on cooling costs!

Incidentally, 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the U.S. Department of Energy’s recommended thermostat setting during the summertime since it strikes a good balance between efficiency and indoor comfort. Of course, homeowners can experiment to find the perfect money-saving temperature for them!

Upgrade To a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Finding the right temperature is crucial, but homeowners who want to optimize their cooling efficiency likely won’t want to keep their homes at the same temperature 24/7. For instance, when the house is empty, there’s no need to keep the thermostat at 78, so it can be hiked up into the 80s to save money. This will reduce energy consumption and slow the rate at which cool air inevitably escapes the house and warm air enters.

A programmable thermostat makes these temperature adjustments automatic and virtually effortless since homeowners can create a custom cooling schedule to fit their daily routine. A smart thermostat will do an even better job of improving efficiency. Not only can they be programmed, but they can also be controlled from virtually anywhere using a mobile device. Most also have occupancy sensors to avoid cooling an empty home, and some even “learn” usage patterns and suggest energy-saving changes.

Keep the Air Filter Clean

Almost every homeowner knows that changing their air filter on time positively impacts indoor air quality. Still, many don’t realize that it can also make a big difference in system performance and energy efficiency. 

A clean air filter generally means better airflow, which means that indoor air can more effectively be cooled and circulated throughout the house, making for a cooler, more comfortable environment. Since air can circulate freely, the unit will also operate more efficiently since it won’t struggle to pull air through a dirt-clogged filter.

In this way, changing the air filter can help lower the utility bill, improve indoor comfort, and reduce undue strain on the unit. Homeowners should change the filter at least every three months. However, some homes may benefit from more frequent air filter replacement, particularly if furry friends or anyone with respiratory sensitivities live in the house.

About JR Putman Heating & Air

JR Putman Heating & Air is a family-owned and operated company with over 40 years of experience serving the residents of Rancho Cordova, CA, and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day service, no overtime rates, and a membership plan with many perks. Call them today for air conditioning services in Rancho Cordova, CA.

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