With weather already heating up in our part of the country, it goes without saying that we’ll be relying on our air conditioners a good deal very soon, if you aren’t already using yours on a daily basis. With HVAC use accounting for about half of all energy costs, it’s no surprise that you want to find ways to stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
Your instinct may be to use your air conditioner as little as possible to save money, but this isn’t practical. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort for cost, and vice-versa. We’ve offered some tips below that can help increase your cooling system’s efficiency, and in turn, lower your Edmond, OK monthly cooling bills.
Replace Your Aging Air Conditioner
This is the #1 thing you can do to increase your air conditioner’s efficiency—is upgrade to a new system if your cooling system is over 10-15 years old. By doing so, you’ll find that you save a lot more month-to-month than you would have otherwise.
Of course, many homeowners are hesitant to do that because of the cost. We understand—an HVAC system is an investment. However, upgrading is the best way to get a good return on that investment, and with our financing options, you don’t have to worry about paying for the whole unit upfront.
Schedule Routine Maintenance
Another way to ensure you get a good return on your investment is by scheduling regular tune-ups for your cooling system. During your maintenance appointment, our professionals will thoroughly clean the inside components of your cooling system to ensure that they operate as effectively and efficiently as it should.
We will also make any adjustments that may be necessary, and recommend repairs. Taking care of minor repair needs now means there is less of a chance that you’ll run into a costly emergency later on down the road.
Ensure You Aren’t Losing Refrigerant
Many homeowners assume that refrigerant is like a fuel—that it depletes over time. But actually, your air conditioner is supplied with enough refrigerant upon installation that it should ideally last throughout the entire lifecycle of your system.
Therefore, if you are losing refrigerant, it means that you have a leak, which must be located and repaired so that it doesn’t start causing operational issues for your air conditioner—forcing it to work less efficiently and costing you.
Change Your Air Filter
The air filter that comes standard with your HVAC system is not there to protect your indoor air quality, but rather to protect the inside components of your cooling system from dust, dirt, and other debris.
If the air filter becomes too clogged, then it will restrict airflow and cause your air conditioner to work harder than it otherwise would need to. Be sure to change your air filter every few months during periods of system use—more often if your home has significant contaminants such as pet dander or cigarette smoke.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
You may be surprised by just how a few degrees can impact the efficiency of your cooling system. An older, manual thermostat is not able to be as precise as a newer programmable or even basic digital thermostat.
Contact Comfort Incorporated to learn more about our cost-saving financing options, or download a financing application directly from our site. We keep your family safe, healthy and comfortable—call today, service today!
