How to Save Money on Your Home’s Cooling System

Cooling your home can get expensive, especially during the hottest months of summer. Given the year we’ve had, it’s understandable to want to find ways to save some money on cooling your home. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to lower the cost of making your home more comfortable.

Programmable Thermostat

Thermostats have come a long way since their inception. They’ve become smarter and more convenient than ever before. Programmable thermostats can be an excellent way to take greater control over your energy bill. You don’t need the same level of cooling all day long, so you can take advantage of the ability to program your thermostat to a different setting while you’re away or during times of the day when you need it less. Changing your thermostat settings by 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re away at work for eight hours can net you as much as 10% in savings.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is an important part of keeping your cooling system running at optimal efficiency. Having your air conditioner inspected and repaired regularly can add years of life to your unit. Replacing units can cost thousands of dollars. Basic maintenance and repairs tend to be far more affordable. If you can extend the life of your unit, that’s a decent amount of extra cash you’ll be saving. You should have your unit tuned on a yearly basis. It’s also a good idea to check on your unit regularly and clean it out as needed to help it run efficiently. Remember, the more efficiently it runs, the more money you save.

Use It Less

Of course, using your cooling system less is also a good way to make sure you save as much as possible. Take advantage of other ways to cool your house to comfortable levels without using your system. If nighttime temperatures are cool, consider opening your windows to take advantage of them. Running fans can help circulate the air and help you feel cooler, though they may not lower the temperature of the actual room. You can also check your windows and doors to make sure they are sealed properly. This will keep you from losing cool air through leaks and will help you need to run your cooling system less.

Being comfortable in your own home is important. Making it affordable is even better. By taking steps such as using a programmable thermostat, performing regular maintenance, and using your air conditioning system less, you should be able to save money on cooling your house.

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