How to Cut Air Conditioning Costs and Save Money | 8 Tips

Summer has officially begun! Are you ready for the rising air conditioning costs? With an increase in temperature comes an increase in your energy bill.

Learn how to cut your air conditioning costs this summer with these 8 energy-saving tips.

8 Ways to Cut Air Conditioning Costs

• Every month, you should be changing (or cleaning if reusable) your air filter. This will not only help cut air conditioning costs, but will also improve your indoor air quality and prevent expensive repairs down the road. Write dates directly on your air filters, always have back-ups available, and  set calendar and phone reminders so you never forget this important maintenance task. If your air conditioner won’t turn on, check your air filter first! It could be blocking necessary air flow, preventing your system from turning on.
• Use shade to block the sun’s heating rays from entering your home and raising your air conditioning costs. You can plant trees, shrubs, and ivy to create natural shade or you can use awnings, drapes, and heat-blocking window film instead. Gila is a good brand for heat control window film and can be purchased at most home improvement stores.
• Fans are a great way to cut air conditioning costs without sacrificing comfort. With operating costs at about 2 cents per hour, fans are the economical way to stay cool this summer. Not only will they help your feel cooler, they also improve airflow, humidity, and ventilation, providing you with cleaner, healthier air. Lower your thermostat this summer and start using fans instead.
• Like a car, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance. In order to prevent future breakdowns, extend your HVAC system’s useful life, and maintain your unit’s manufacturer warranty, it is absolutely essential that you schedule annual HVAC maintenance. Call Interstate Heating and Air Conditioning for a professional air conditioning tune-up! We’ll make sure your system lasts for years to come.
• Use your programmable thermostat to significantly cut your air conditioning costs. According to the EPA, “you can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.” We recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees while at home and about 8 degrees higher while you are away. You can schedule your programmable thermostat to do this for you! Use an Energy Star qualified thermostat.
• A common HVAC myth that we encounter all the time is the belief that lowering your thermostat to a colder setting will cool your home faster. Regardless of what you may hear, lowering your thermostat to a lower setting will not cool your home any faster. Your air conditioner outputs the same temperature regardless of your setting. The setting simply tells your HVAC unit when to stop running. This unfortunate homeowner belief could be skyrocketing your air conditioning costs.
• Check your thermostat placement. Sometimes your HVAC system will run for longer than necessary because your thermostat is at a higher temperature than the rest of your home. Make sure that your thermostat is out of direct sunlight, away from heat-producing lamps and appliances, and completely level. Read this thermostat troubleshooting guide if you are having problems with your thermostat.
• Seal the deal by plugging up air leaks around your home. You can use an incense/smoke stick to help detect air leaks around your outlets, windows, and doors. Simply hold it up to suspected air leaks and watch the smoke to see if air is flowing in or out. Use weatherproof caulk on any cracks smaller than a quarter of an inch and expandable foam spray for any gaps larger than that. Replace weatherproofing on your doors and windows and don’t forget about your air ducts. Air ducts can be sealed using mastic sealant or aluminum foil tape – don’t use duct tape!

For year-round maintenance of your heating and cooling system, rely on Interstate to keep your unit running for years to come. All of our technicians are fully licensed, background checked, and drug tested. If you are not 100% Satisfied, we will return for a free follow-up repair or return your money, no questions asked.

Call Interstate Heating and Air Conditioning in Oklahoma City for the following professional services:

• Air Duct Cleaning/Sealing
• Energy Audit
• Heating & Air Conditioning
• Indoor Air Quality

We also specialize in cooling system tune-ups so that you can prevent breakdowns, extend the life of your system, and save money on your bills by keeping your system running efficiently. We service all makes and models of HVAC systems!

Sign up for our Maintenance Plan for FREE tune-ups and 20% discount on all repairs.

Call us for your in-home evaluation and free estimates: (405) 794-8900.

We look forward to serving you! Stay cool, Oklahoma!

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