How To Reduce Your AC Bill

According to the US Department of Energy, heating and air conditioning take up 43 percent of your monthly utility or AC bill. AC repair may be a necessary action in some instances in order to benefit from these savings. Here are some tips to help your system perform optimally.

Don't Get Crazy with Fans

Open the windows on the lower level of your home, but use the fans on the upper level to create circulation. For those that live in an apartment or a one-story building, you should close windows near the fan and open windows in rooms far from the fan to prevent the fan's air from being wasted through windows.

Plant Trees

If possible, plant trees around the exterior of your home. Taller trees will block direct sunlight, thereby decreasing the amount of heat your home is exposed to. Using trees can improve AC efficiency by around 10 percent.

Solar or Mesh Screens

If you place film, mesh, or metal screens over your windows, they can absorb up to 70 percent of solar energy and thus reduce the amount of heat entering your home. To further increase their effectiveness, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests putting these screens on your home's east- and west-facing windows.

Temperature Adjustment

AC repair may be required if you are trying to get the most out of your air conditioner; however, adjusting the temperature during times when you're away or sleeping can decrease your monthly bill. If you lower your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you're at home, then let the number rise when you're away from home, you can save up to 15 percent on your air-conditioning bills. The average U.S. home can save about $150 a year using this method.

Basement Blues

Hopefully, your basement is in good shape, because it will come in handy in the heat of the summer. If the heat outside is dry and not moist or humid, then leave your basement windows open and camp out down there. The basement is considerably cooler than other parts of the home. However, if you live in a humid area, then avoid this tip: it will do more damage by inviting more heat into the home.

Think Small

Think about it. If you focus on cooling just one room with a window air conditioning unit, it requires less energy than would a central air system for your whole house. Focus on the most important areas that you'd like to keep cool.

Clean Your Air Filter

When something isn't as clean as it can be, it cannot work at maximum efficiency. This is when AC repair and maintenance is needed. Cleaning your filter and checking your HVAC system's air filter monthly is a great way to improve the quality and quantity of your AC's air. Try to change the filter every three months or so.

Though the thick of this summer is over, these tips can be used for the remainder of this season and revisited for the years to come.