10 Tips To Save Energy And Money This Summer

Summer’s almost here – and with it come summer air conditioning bills. Here are 10 tips to stay cool and save money this summer:

1. Turn down the AC at night –You’re not awake to enjoy your air conditioner when you sleep, so turn it down a bit. Use your programmable thermostat if you have one…and if you don’t, get one: it will pay for itself in as little as one cooling season. Just a few degrees will make a noticeable difference in your bills
2. Take advantage of zone cooling – Why pay to cool rooms you aren’t using? If you have a ductless system, use air handlers only in occupied rooms. Your central AC can be equipped with zone cooling, too – contact us to learn more.
3. Close vents in unused areas –If you’re not set up for zone cooling, try selectively shutting down vents in unused areas – especially ones that tend to be cool anyway (your basement is a perfect candidate).
4. Maintain your AC – Did you know the efficiency of your air conditioner could drop five percent or more in a single season if it’s not properly maintained? Stay on top of routine annual maintenance – resist the temptation to skip a year.
5. Check ductwork – You can lose one third or more of the cool air your AC produces before it ever reaches the vents! Improperly installed or poorly maintained ducts can rob you of significant efficiency – if you’ve had your system for a while, duct sealing could be a great investment for you.
6. Clear obstructions – Don’t cool your chair – cool the air! Rearrange your furniture to make sure it doesn’t block your vents.
7. Cool in moderation – Keeping your air conditioner at 78 degrees is a good starting point to balance performance and comfort. Remember: it’s the difference between the temperature of the outdoor and indoor air that makes you feel cool, not the absolute temperature of the air in your home.
8. Install window reflectors – Why compete with solar heat? Minimize the greenhouse effect with light-reflecting window treatments.
9. Raise the temperature when no one is home – This is another way a programmable thermostat pays for itself. Why cool the house if no one’s around to enjoy it? Just keep your shades pulled down and the doors closed so your AC doesn’t have overwork when you come home (tip: with a smart thermostat, you can start up your cooling system from your cel phone a few hours before you’re due to arrive!).
10. Use ceiling fans – Circulating air feels cooler (think of a summer breeze), so you can run your AC a little warmer with no change in comfort. That can save you hundreds of dollars in a cooling season.

Want an even better way to save on your energy bills this summer? Install a new high-efficiency cooling system! We’ve got great specials that will help your new system pay for itself in just a few years – contact Bottini for a FREE estimate today!