A/C Expertek Recommends Smart and Easy Steps to Reduce Utility Bills
Goodyear, AZ, March 25, 2019 --(PR.com)-- “How you operate and maintain your heating and A/C controls can have a large effect on your bills,” says Bryce Heffelfinger, owner of A/C Expertek Service & Installation. "Maintenance should be performed regularly, about once a year."
Heffelfinger suggests the following tips to save money on monthly utility bills:
1. Programmable thermostats
It’s amazing how many people don’t use programmable thermostats. They are one of the best ways of reducing your monthly utility bill, and they often pay for themselves in one year. A simple 5-day/2-day programmable thermostat is not expensive and will allow you to set up a separate schedule for weekdays and weekends.
The U.S. Department of Energy says homeowners can achieve around a 10 percent energy savings by turning the thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees F from its normal setting for 8 hours a day.
2. Make sure the filter is clean
Dirty HVAC filters restrict airflow and reduce the entire efficiency of the HVAC system. If you have not cleaned or changed the air filters of your system for a while, now is the perfect time to do it. This should be done every 1-3 months.
To be safe, inspect your air filter every regularly to see if it is dirty and clogged. Check your owner’s manual for the best air filter to use in your system.
3. Curtains can help save energy
Strategically using curtains can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill. Closing blinds essentially prevents your home from becoming a miniature greenhouse, which is especially the case with south- and west-facing windows.
4. Swap your sheets.
While textiles like flannel sheets and fleece blankets are fantastic for insulation, cotton is a smarter move when the temps rise as it breathes easier and stays cooler. As an added bonus, consider buying a buckwheat pillow or two. Because buckwheat hulls have a naturally occurring air space between them, they won't hold on to your body heat like conventional pillows, even when packed together in a pillow case.
5. Ditch the incandescent lights.
If you ever needed motivation to make the switch to LED lamps, now is the time. About 90 percent of the energy in incandescent bulbs goes into making heat, while about 80 percent of Compact fluorescent lights goes to heat! So, replacing these heat sources will make a difference in cooling your home while lowering your electric bill. And while LEDs are more expensive to purchase, they last 25 times longer saving you significant money over the life of the bulb.
6. Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise
You may not realize that your ceiling fan needs to be adjusted seasonally. Set to run counter-clockwise in the summer at a higher speed, the fan's airflow will create a wind-chill breeze effect that will make you and your guests feel cooler.
7. Strategic use of fans
Use the exhaust fan in your kitchen or bathroom. Both expel the hot air that rises after you cook or take a steamy shower in your house or apartment.
8. Use an Energy Efficient A/C Unit to save 20-40 percent
According to Energy.gov, Most central air conditioning units last about 20 years. At 12 years old, an air conditioning unit is passing its mid-life point. “But even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you could save 20-40 percent of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model,” Heffelfinger says.
9. Avoid Expensive Breakdowns
Make sure you have your HVAC systems inspected and tuned up every year to ensure its running at peak efficiency and saving you money. One faulty part can place strain on the rest of the system, and can lead to sudden and expensive breakdowns. Avoid expensive repairs and save money with an inexpensive checkup.
A family-owned business, A/C Expertek has more than 28 years of experience servicing Valley home owners and has an A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau.
To learn more energy saving tips or to schedule an AC tune-up, contact the HVAC pros at A/C Expertek at 623-537-4830 or www.ACExpertek.com.
Heffelfinger suggests the following tips to save money on monthly utility bills:
1. Programmable thermostats
It’s amazing how many people don’t use programmable thermostats. They are one of the best ways of reducing your monthly utility bill, and they often pay for themselves in one year. A simple 5-day/2-day programmable thermostat is not expensive and will allow you to set up a separate schedule for weekdays and weekends.
The U.S. Department of Energy says homeowners can achieve around a 10 percent energy savings by turning the thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees F from its normal setting for 8 hours a day.
2. Make sure the filter is clean
Dirty HVAC filters restrict airflow and reduce the entire efficiency of the HVAC system. If you have not cleaned or changed the air filters of your system for a while, now is the perfect time to do it. This should be done every 1-3 months.
To be safe, inspect your air filter every regularly to see if it is dirty and clogged. Check your owner’s manual for the best air filter to use in your system.
3. Curtains can help save energy
Strategically using curtains can make a noticeable difference in your energy bill. Closing blinds essentially prevents your home from becoming a miniature greenhouse, which is especially the case with south- and west-facing windows.
4. Swap your sheets.
While textiles like flannel sheets and fleece blankets are fantastic for insulation, cotton is a smarter move when the temps rise as it breathes easier and stays cooler. As an added bonus, consider buying a buckwheat pillow or two. Because buckwheat hulls have a naturally occurring air space between them, they won't hold on to your body heat like conventional pillows, even when packed together in a pillow case.
5. Ditch the incandescent lights.
If you ever needed motivation to make the switch to LED lamps, now is the time. About 90 percent of the energy in incandescent bulbs goes into making heat, while about 80 percent of Compact fluorescent lights goes to heat! So, replacing these heat sources will make a difference in cooling your home while lowering your electric bill. And while LEDs are more expensive to purchase, they last 25 times longer saving you significant money over the life of the bulb.
6. Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise
You may not realize that your ceiling fan needs to be adjusted seasonally. Set to run counter-clockwise in the summer at a higher speed, the fan's airflow will create a wind-chill breeze effect that will make you and your guests feel cooler.
7. Strategic use of fans
Use the exhaust fan in your kitchen or bathroom. Both expel the hot air that rises after you cook or take a steamy shower in your house or apartment.
8. Use an Energy Efficient A/C Unit to save 20-40 percent
According to Energy.gov, Most central air conditioning units last about 20 years. At 12 years old, an air conditioning unit is passing its mid-life point. “But even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you could save 20-40 percent of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model,” Heffelfinger says.
9. Avoid Expensive Breakdowns
Make sure you have your HVAC systems inspected and tuned up every year to ensure its running at peak efficiency and saving you money. One faulty part can place strain on the rest of the system, and can lead to sudden and expensive breakdowns. Avoid expensive repairs and save money with an inexpensive checkup.
A family-owned business, A/C Expertek has more than 28 years of experience servicing Valley home owners and has an A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau.
To learn more energy saving tips or to schedule an AC tune-up, contact the HVAC pros at A/C Expertek at 623-537-4830 or www.ACExpertek.com.
Contact
A/C Expertek
Laurie Anderson
303-758-1118
acexpertek.com
Laurie Anderson
303-758-1118
acexpertek.com
Contact
Categories