Everyone loves to save money, and it’s a good idea to review different aspects of your budget now and again to see if there are more opportunities you have missed in the past. In the springtime, considering how you can reduce your air conditioning energy bills is always a great idea.
According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), air conditioners use about 6 percent of all electricity in the country at a cost of roughly $29 billion to homeowners.
If you can reduce that energy consumption in Denver, you will be able to make a difference in our environment and save yourself some money as well. Take some of the following ideas from our professionals at Controlling Systems Heating & Air Conditioning to heart and make some money-saving resolutions today.
Tune Up for Efficiency
All air conditioners work more efficiently if they have clean air filters, enough refrigerant, spotless coils, and plenty of room for air circulation. Dirty filters can significantly reduce the efficiency of your AC unit. Additionally, maintaining proper humidity levels can help in reducing mold growth and other indoor air pollutants.
Although you can take care of some of these maintenance items on your own—clearing away fallen yard debris from around your outside air conditioning unit and regularly changing filters, you should engage one of our highly trained professionals to help inspect and clean your air conditioning components. Our experts can also check your ductwork and be sure you are not losing your cooled air through air leaks before it reaches its destination. By investing in regular maintenance, it’s less likely your unit will break down in the dog days of summer. That’s an extra bonus.
Work with Mother Nature
Find ways to use the outdoor temperature to your advantage when it comes to saving energy. For example, during the spring and the fall when nighttime temperatures cool down, open all your windows to let the cool breezes in. This helps in reducing indoor air pollution by increasing proper ventilation.
Then, first thing in the morning, close your windows and pull your shades to trap the cooler air inside. You can also consider planting trees to shade your home in the future, which can help reduce energy costs by blocking outdoor air pollution and providing natural cooling.
Circulate Indoor Air
Consider investing in floor fans or ceiling fans to help move your indoor air. Fans use a lot less energy than air conditioning systems and do a good job cooling down your home in moderate temperatures. You can also run the fan on your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system or install a whole house fan that pulls in fresh air from the attic, reducing the concentration of indoor air pollutants.
Relocate Heat Outside
The sun is not always the biggest culprit in generating indoor heat. How often do you find that your appliances are competing directly with your air conditioner? This can worsen indoor air quality by increasing indoor air pollutants.
Instead of turning on your oven or stove, consider grilling outside to keep that heat out of your home. Or get a little creative and find some great cold meals to prepare instead.
The clothes dryer is another heat producer in most Colorado homes. Instead of running your dryer, put that springtime sun and a laundry line to work.
Block and Reflect
Another idea to reduce the heat and associated energy costs is to invest in energy-efficient windows, seals, and insulation to keep the cold in and the heat out. You can also install light-colored window coverings to block sun in the warmest part of the day, which helps in reducing indoor air pollution and health risks associated with poor air quality.
Energy-efficient, reflective roof tiles or a coat of lighter exterior paint can do wonders in reflecting the heat of the sun away from your home’s outside.
Rely on Technology
At the very minimum, install a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust your temperature settings while you are away or asleep. Smart thermostat technology is advancing each day, and in some homes, rooms can now detect when you are present in them and adjust the indoor temperature accordingly. This can help in managing the use of air conditioners and reducing indoor air pollution. You can also control and monitor air conditioning usage from afar using a smartphone.
Don’t Forget the Little Things
Every light that’s left on when not in use generates heat as well as all those electronic devices. Consider switching to LED lightbulbs and turning off electronic gadgets when they are not being used to save money and reduce heat. Using air purifiers and air cleaners can also help in reducing indoor air pollutants like dust mites and mold spores, improving the overall indoor environment.
Contact Us Today
To schedule an air conditioning tune-up or duct inspection, or to talk with us about other energy-saving ideas, call our Controlling Systems Heating & Air Conditioning team at 303-762-1421 or request service online. Our Denver, CO, professionals would be happy to help. An energy audit can also help you identify areas to improve the seasonal energy efficiency ratio of your home and further reduce energy costs. Proper ventilation can also help in reducing health hazards like respiratory diseases and cardiovascular disease caused by poor air quality.
