5 Ways to Save Money on Your AC and Summer Energy Bill
As the summer approaches, we are all looking to save some pennies wherever possible. So why not start with your costly utility bills in Seattle?
The US Department of Energy (DOE) says air conditioning can account for 35 to 40 percent of your utility bill. At Ballard Natural Gas Services, we take energy efficiency seriously.
We understand high energy bills are sometimes 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 (AC) less may help you cut costs and save money on your monthly energy bill.
1. Turn up the temperature.
When you’re home, turn your air conditioning up a few degrees. If you are comfortable at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, 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.
You should turn up your thermostat when not home as well. We recommend increasing the temperature by 7 to 10 degrees, and you should notice a dip in your energy costs.
2. Keep up with regular maintenance.
We strongly recommend regular air conditioner maintenance to keep your cooling system running as efficiently as possible. Schedule a professional tune-up at least once a season for your AC and furnace, but you can do a few additional things yourself.
Check your air filter and replace it every 30-90 days. Airflow is crucial for efficient air conditioner function, and a dirty or clogged air filter is the prime suspect when a unit is using too much energy.
3. Inspect your air ducts.
For effective cooling in your Seattle, 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 and 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 Ballard Natural Gas Services professionals to come repair and restore proper airflow to your ducts.
4. Utilize fans.
Whenever possible, turn down your air conditioner and combat your home’s warmer temperature by making use of ceiling and room 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 to stay cool.
5. Remember to shade.
Keeping your air conditioner’s outdoor unit shaded and cool can save you up to 10 percent on your bill. Check around the unit for debris and growth, and clear away anything covering the coils. A minimum of two feet of clearance is a recommended rule of thumb.
Keeping the coils clear of debris is important for airflow. Be sure you gently clean the coils at the beginning of each season with a hose before using your system for the first time.
Additionally, keeping your blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to shade your interior can also help to save you money. With lower inside temperatures, your air conditioner won’t need to work as hard and will use less energy.
Call Us for All Your Cooling Needs
At Ballard Natural Gas Services, we are here for all your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) needs. Your comfort is a high priority to us, and we want to help you keep your home as cool as possible during the warmer months in Seattle, WA.
Ready to schedule an AC tune-up for the summer? Call us at 206-784-8101 or request service online today!