Air Conditioning Tips: How to Reduce Your Energy Bill This Summer

Saving money on your energy bill this summer doesn't mean your home has to become a sauna. With temperatures quickly rising, you shouldn't have to sacrifice your family's comfort. However, if your monthly budget is already stretched thin and you're dreading the start of the cooling season, take a deep breath and implement the money saving tips provided below.

Keep the Sun Out
Although you may think it sounds too simple to be effective, closing your window blinds or drapes to block out the sun can lower the temperature in your home. Your blinds and drapes can also insulate your windows, which will stop the cool air your air conditioner produces from escaping your home.

Furniture Placement
If your couch is sitting on top of an air conditioning vent, the obstruction is going to cost you some money at the end of the day. A blocked vent is unable to properly circulate air, which leads to ineffective cooling. Before you turn on your system for the summer, go from to room to ensure no furniture is hindering your air conditioner's air flow. If you do find a covered vent, simply rearrange the furniture in the room to optimize your system's cooling ability.

Install a Programmable Thermostat
When you're not at home your thermostat should be set at least 4 to 6 degrees higher than when you are in the house. While you could manually make the adjustment before heading out for the day, it's easy to forget, and while that may not seem like a big deal, continuously doing so will definitely send your energy bill soaring. Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to preset temperatures, which guarantees you won't waste energy or money when your house is empty.

Have Your Air Conditioner Tuned-Up
Properly maintaining your air conditioner is key to you saving money on your energy bill each month. If your system is dirty or malfunctioning, you aren't only throwing money away, but you're also at risk of your A/C breaking down. Unfortunately, major repairs are expensive. However, you can avoid them by hiring a professional to tune-up your system once a year.

Questions? Call New England Cooling Towers today at (978) 649-6001.