Save Energy and Money on Air Conditioning Bills This Summer

They say time is money, and nothing seems to cost more than running the air conditioning all summer long. Fortunately, with these tips and routine air conditioning repair in San Jose, CA, you can make cooling your home a little more cost-effective:

Use a Programmable Thermostat

If you always have to adjust your thermostat manually it is time to get an upgrade. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat will help your system run more efficiently. It will help set temperatures to match your schedule and only run the air conditioning while you are home to enjoy it. This will save money on your energy bills and prolong the life of your system.

Tinker with the Temperature

Don’t just set the thermostat to stay at 68 degrees day in and day out. Setting it at 75 to 80 degrees during the day is plenty cool enough if it is 100 degrees outside. And when you are not home you should adjust it a little higher, to about 85. Around bedtime is best to adjust the thermostat lower into the 70s for optimal sleep during the coolest part of the day.

Use the “Auto” Setting

This setting controls the fan. Running it on “auto” means the fan will only come on when the air conditioner runs. Otherwise, if the setting is “on” the fan runs constantly, costing you an extra $15 to $25 per month.

Open all the Vents

Your cooling system is designed to run most efficiently with all the vents open. Shutting even just a few vents, though it might seem more efficient, is actually counterproductive. It can disrupt the balance and the system won’t “breathe” properly.

Replace the Filters

Air filters a meant to catch dust and debris so it doesn’t enter your ducts and HVAC system. It is important to keep them clean. Check them each month, and replace them as soon as they are clogged.

Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear

The outdoor unit should have three feet of clearance around it. Any grass, leaves, dirt, or weeds will restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. So clear the area at the beginning of summer, and check periodically to keep it clean.

Use Ceiling Fans

Using the ceiling fans to circulate air can make it feel cooler inside. During the summer set the fan to run counter-clockwise to blow the air straight down. And higher speeds will produce cooler air.

Plan Heat or Moisture Producing Chores

Need to do laundry or run a load of dishes? Set the appliances to run during parts of the day when temperatures outside are cooler. Try for early morning or late at night.

Capitalize on Natural Ventilation at Night

If temperatures drop below the 80s at night, consider opening up the windows and shutting off the air conditioning. This will give your system a break and pull fresh air back into the home.

If you need any information about air conditioning repair in San Jose, CA or are interested in more energy-saving tips, contact Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning. Our experts are here to help you get the most out of your HVAC system this summer. You can call us at (408) 800-2791 or visit 1045 N 10th St San Jose, CA 95112.