The HVAC system in your home is your heating, ventilation & air conditioning including your thermostat. Running your air conditioner during the summer months can raise your energy bill quite significantly. Learn how to save money while air conditioning your home to a nice cool temperature.

Clean or Replace Filters Monthly – Keeping your filters clean can cut the energy usedby your HVAC system 5% to 15%. A dusty filter reduces air flow. Examine the unit’s air filters once a month and clean or replace filters when necessary Extra: If you are looking to replace your thermostat, you may want to choose one that offers a warning LED each month to remind you to change the filter.

Set the Thermostat To The Best Temperature – Turning your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit is the best setting for your air conditioner during warmer months. For example, setting your thermostat to reduce your home’s temperature to 72 degrees could increase your cooling costs 12% to 47%. Also remember, setting it really low at first will not help your home cool faster.

When Away From Home Set Thermostat Higher – Turn your thermostat higher when not at home. Ask your Air Conditioning Service company about installing a digital programmable timer.

Check for Household Air Leaks – Make sure air isn’t escaping through gaps or openings around doors and windows. Warm air in the summer and cold air in the winter will increase your HVAC bills dramacticaaly. Take a good look at the seals around doors and windows to see if weather stripping or caulk needs to be applied.

Monitor Heat Producing Appliances – such as televisions or lamps, away from the thermostat. The heat they produce can fool your HVAC thermostat into continuing to cool. Consider replacing light bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs that are cooler to the touch, reducing heat into your home.

Use Your Fans – Fans move air around your room giving a sensation of feeling cooler. Substituting fans for air conditioners on milder days can save 60% or more in energy costs.

Maintain the Ducts and Vents – If you are using a central air conditioning unit, make sure the air ducts are properly insulated, especially those that pass through the attic or any other unconditioned areas. You may want to have a specialist check for holes or leaks in the ducts. Duct tape can offer a temporary repair, but you will want to have any holes or leaks properly fixed. Make sure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents. Close off unused rooms and close vents in those rooms.

Natural light is great, but the sun’s heat can raise the temperature in your home. Make sure blinds and drapes are closed to help reduce the sun’s thermal heat. If you are intent on letting the light in, install reflective film on the windows to block some of the heat.

Routine HVAC Maintenance – Have a certified Air Conditioning Contractor service, check & clean your system at least one time per year. The biggest energy consumption related to air conditioning is from a poor or under-performing air conditioning system. A reputable HVAC company with check & clean all connections, coils & operation levels to insure peak performance.

Consider a Routine Maintenance & Service Contract – Maintenance or service contracts helps keep your system running its best. Most contracts offer free emergency service calls & even discounted repairs & parts.

Haven’t had your HVAC inspected or serviced in a while? The cost of a scheduling a routine maintenance program can pay for itself often just in energy savings alone. To find out more about caring for your HVAC system call the At Your Service Air Conditioning & Heating team today @ (239) 565-9433.