Reduce Your Utility Bill with These DIY Tips
Summer is in full swing, and most people are cranking up the air conditioning to full blast. With record temperatures bearing down across much of the West Coast, we could all use a little break from the heat right now. But overusing your A/C unit can lead to lasting damage or even an unexpected outage, leaving you and your loved ones in the lurch when you need to cool off.
Use these DIY tips to keep the cool air coming this summer, so you don’t have to worry about your system breaking down when you need it most.
Run the A/C in Shifts
Unless you have central heating and air conditioning, running your A/C unit 24 hours a day can get you into trouble. Some units aren’t meant to run continuously for days on end, especially if they are more than a few years old. Resist the urge the let the unit run all day long. Turn it on during the hottest hours of the day and at night when you’re trying to sleep. Try to give the machine a break during the morning and evening when it isn’t as hot.
Consider ductless Mini Splits to help cool the rooms you will be using the most.
Cover the Windows
Nothing will heat up a room like a sunny day. As much as we all love a view, be sure to close the curtains or blinds when the sun is blasting into your home. All that extra sunlight forces your HVAC system to work 10% harder, which adds to your utility bills. Try to hang out in shaded rooms during the hottest hours of the day to limit your energy usage.
Choose Your Battles
Cooling off your entire home can feel like a losing battle, especially in the middle of a record heat wave. You should only cool off the rooms you plan on occupying throughout the day. For more temperature control, try to limit your time to smaller rooms that are easier to cool than open areas. Keep doors closed to keep the cold air in and the hot air out.
Watch Out for Leaks
A leaky door or window can make it virtually impossible to keep your home cool. Go around the outside of your home to make sure cold air isn’t slipping through the cracks. Use expandable foam and sealants to close gaps and pathways. Avoid opening and closing doors and windows during the hottest hours of the day. Keep them locked during the day, so your family or housemates think twice before letting out all that cold air. Every second matters when temperatures exceed 100 degrees F.
Listen and Inspect
Your unit won’t last forever. If you’ve been using your system more than you’re used to, it could poop out at a moment’s notice. Luckily, most units give out a few warning signs before they kick the bucket. Listen for strange sounds, including grinding and clanking noises, every time you turn on the machine. Watch out for smoke, leaks, and sudden changes to your utility bill, all of which could be bad news for your unit.
You shouldn’t have to worry about staying cool this summer, at least when you’re at home. Contact the professionals at A-1 Guaranteed in Solano County if you notice anything out of the ordinary. We will schedule the most convenient time available to get your unit up and running again as quickly as possible.
