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Summer Air Conditioning Tips: Keep Cool and Cut Down on Costs

After the snowy winter months, summer has never felt so good — long days having fun in the sun at the beach, evening barbeques with friends and family, and having a cold beverage out on a local patio.

While these things are great for many people, many of us can only stand the heat for so long. In fact, the heat can actually become dangerous if you are out too long and aren’t drinking enough water. This is why air conditioning has become so popular, as it’s a great way to cool your body down after a long day out in the summer sun.

Air conditioning is incredibly effective and helpful during many scenarios (when you are trying to sleep, focus on work if you are currently working from home, relaxing and unwinding after a day outdoors, etc.), but it does come at a cost. According to the Department of Energy, air conditioners use about 6% of all electricity produced in the U.S. at an annual cost of about $29 billion to homeowners. With these following tips, you can help to lower that number and run your air conditioning system at a much more efficient and affordable rate.

If you feel as though your air conditioner is running too hard, give us a call at Calvary Plumbing and Heating today.

Tip #1: Consider Installing a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats such as the Nest help with automating temperature adjustments, which helps with maximizing both comfort and energy savings. In fact, Nest Labs found that there was an average of 15% savings on cooling, which adds up to be about $131-$145 in savings for the average homeowner per year.

Tip #2: Set Your Temperature Back

This one may seem like a given, but setting your temperature back between seven and ten degrees Fahrenheit can help cut your energy costs by as much at 10% per year. A good rule of thumb is to set your temperature to a spot where you are comfortable in light, breathable clothing as opposed to turning your home into a winter wonderland, and consider purchasing a fan for your bedroom if you prefer sleeping in a cool room.

Tip #3: Add Energy-Efficient Windows to Your Home

Did you know that windows impact yearly heating and cooling energy use by as much as 30% a year? Installing energy-efficient windows that are Energy Star qualified can help you save up to $465 a year as opposed to single-pane windows. If you are not in a spot where you can purchase new windows, we also suggest installing curtains and blinds that can help to block out the hot sun and keep your home cool.

Tip #4: Hire an HVAC Professional for Regular Check-Ups and Maintenance

When there are failures in your air conditioning system, it can cause it to run much harder and less efficiently than it should. This is why forming a working relationship with a trusted local HVAC team is so important. If you are in need of an air conditioner check-up, maintenance, repair, or installation, give us a call at Calvary Plumbing and Heating in Fort Collins today!