How To Keep Your Cooling Costs Down This Summer

As the summer heat intensifies, many residents are looking for effective ways to keep their homes cool without racking up high energy bills. With temperatures routinely climbing, the challenge of maintaining a comfortable home environment becomes a balancing act between comfort and cost. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help you keep cooling costs down during the summer months. Amber Air Conditioning, Inc. shares a few of them in this blog post.

Make Use of Ceiling and Circulating Fans

Ceiling fans and other circulating fans can create a wind-chill effect that makes the room feel cooler without actually reducing the room temperature. This can allow you to set your thermostat higher, saving on air conditioning costs. It’s important to remember to turn off fans when leaving the room to save electricity, as fans cool people, not rooms. For Lake Elsinore residents, leveraging the cooling power of fans can be particularly effective during the evenings when the desert chill sets in.

Optimize Your Air Conditioner’s Settings

Setting your thermostat as high as comfortably possible can significantly reduce your cooling costs. The Department of Energy suggests setting your air conditioner to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home and raising it higher when you are away. Installing a programmable or smart thermostat can handle these adjustments automatically, ensuring you save money without sacrificing comfort. For added savings, consider avoiding setting the thermostat to colder settings than normal; it won’t cool your home any faster and could lead to unnecessary expense.

Maintain Your Cooling System

Regular maintenance of your cooling system is crucial for efficient operation. A well-maintained unit can operate more efficiently and consume less energy. This includes routine tasks such as replacing or cleaning air filters monthly during high-use periods, ensuring that the area around your outdoor condenser unit is clear of debris, and checking that your ductwork is properly sealed and insulated. For the best performance, consider scheduling an annual service check with a local air conditioning repair.

Reduce Internal Heat Generation

During the warmest parts of the day, minimize activities that generate a lot of heat, such as cooking on the stovetop or using the oven. Instead, try grilling outdoors, using a microwave, or planning meals that don’t require cooking. Additionally, take advantage of off-peak hours for chores that involve heat generation, like dishwashing or laundry.

Use Window Treatments to Your Advantage

Effective use of window coverings can significantly reduce heat gain in your house. During daylight hours, close curtains, blinds, and shades to block the sun’s rays, particularly on windows that face the sun. Reflective blinds, blackout curtains, or even external shading solutions like awnings can make a substantial difference in how much heat enters your home. 

Trust Us for All Your Cooling Needs!

Keep these things in mind and you can achieve significant savings while keeping you and your family cool and comfortable. For top-notch cooling services, turn to Amber Air Conditioning, the trusted HVAC contractor in Lake Elsinore and Temecula, CA. Call (951) 674-6974, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.