The summer season can be a lot of fun, but if you are not careful, it can also be an expensive time of year. Summer cooling costs can run you out of house and home, driving up your utility costs and leaving little money for fun things like backyard barbecues and family trips to the local theme park.
The good news is that it is not too late to whip your home into shape and get those air conditioning costs under control. You do not have to resign yourself to high energy costs and wasted money this summer, just use these simple tips to take back control and keep more money in your wallet.
Check the Filters
A clogged or dirty filter can wreak havoc on your home air conditioning system and cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in increased cooling costs. When the filter is clogged, dirty or otherwise damaged, your air conditioning system cannot run as efficiently as it should, so take the time to check those filters and replace them before the summer heats up and your A/C kicks on.
Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is one of the smartest investments, and one of the best home improvements, you can make. Once the programmable thermostat is in place, you can set it to cool the home just before you get home from work, sharply reducing your summer energy costs and saving you a lot of money. Newer model programmable thermostats even let you check and change the temperature right from your smartphone.
Have Your Unit Inspected
An annual inspection can do wonders for your air conditioning system, and your wallet. If you have not already done so, now is the time to schedule your A/C system checkup. An experienced cooling system technician can spot small problems early, when they are easy, and inexpensive, to fix. Far from costing you money, an annual inspection could actually save you hundreds of dollar in cooling costs.
Experiment with Different Temperature Settings
You may think you need the temperature set at 62 degrees to stay comfortable, but that may not be the case. No matter what your personal preferences, you should experiment with different thermostat settings until you find the right balance between comfort and efficiency.
If you and your spouse cannot agree on a summer thermostat setting, try splitting the difference to maintain a comfortable and happy home. If she likes the room at 64 and you prefer 68, try setting the thermostat at 66 and make everyone happy.
You do not have to live with high summer cooling costs. With a few simple adjustments and the right maintenance, you can keep your home comfortable all season long and still keep more money in your wallet.