The majority of the average home’s energy bill is for heating and cooling. If you can find ways to save energy without sacrificing comfort, you will save a lot of money over time. The good news is that it is surprisingly easy to cut your cooling costs. There are plenty of ways to do it, ranging from technological options to simple lifestyle changes.
1. Try a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats reduce waste by automating your cooling system. They can turn your system on and off on a set schedule, so you won’t leave it on by accident. Some smart thermostats can track your habits and optimize their own schedule to use as little energy as possible. The amount that you can save with a smart thermostat depends on your lifestyle, but it adds up quickly. Most people will eliminate roughly 10% of their power bill, and some people manage to save even more.
2. Avoid Producing Heat
All your electrical appliances produce heat. Many of them are too small for that heat to matter, but computers, dryers, and other major appliances can function as small heaters within your home. Your air conditioner will compensate for the added heat, but that wastes energy. You can minimize the issue by keeping your big appliances turned off during the hottest part of the day. Turn them off when they are not in use.
3. Upgrade Your Air Conditioner
If you have an old air conditioner, you may be wasting energy every time you use it. All air conditioners experience wear and tear over time, which makes them less efficient. Older systems also use outdated technology that requires more energy than newer models. If you are using an old air conditioner, upgrading it will be the fastest way to reduce your energy use.
That may sound like a major project, but it is easy if you get help from professionals. Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. can handle the whole process for you if you live near Sioux Falls, SD. We will help you understand the options and make sure you pick the right cooling system for your home. Our team will also handle the entire installation process for you.
4. Shade Your Windows
Your windows make it easy for sunlight to heat your home. The easiest solution is to keep your windows in the shade. A simple awning is enough to keep the worst of the heat out of your home. You can also plant a few trees for shade if you prefer a natural approach to cooling.
5. Check Your Ducts
Your air conditioner may rely on ducts to carry cool air throughout your home. It is vital to keep those ducts in good condition, as normal wear and tear means gaps will form over time. Those gaps allow cold air to escape the system and your air conditioner needs to use more energy to compensate for the lost air.
6. Seal Your Home
Cold air can also escape through gaps in your home’s outer walls. The vast majority of those gaps form around the windows and doors. If your power bill seems too high, inspect your home for any unnecessary openings. You can often save energy by getting those gaps sealed.
7. Get a Tune-Up
There is an easy way to prevent your cooling system from wasting energy. If you schedule regular tune-ups for your system, we can solve the little problems that reduce its efficiency. We will test, clean, lubricate, and calibrate every part of your air conditioner. If we find faulty components, we will fix them before they get worse. These problems are easy to overlook, so you need professionals to maintain your system even if everything looks normal.
Call Us Today
It is easy to get your power bill under control by optimizing your home’s cooling system. You just need a combination of modern technology, regular maintenance, and minor lifestyle changes. We can help you get started. At Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc., we provide heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical services to Sioux Falls, SD. We can take a look at your cooling system, identify ways to improve it, and handle all the upgrades. If you want to reduce your power bill even more, we can do the same for your other utilities.
Reach out to our team at Waterbury Heating & Cooling, Inc. to start the journey toward better energy efficiency.
