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How to Save Money on Your Air Conditioning Bill in Florida

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According to Energy Saver, a resource published by the U.S. Department of Energy, “Air conditioners use about 6% of all the electricity produced in the United States, at an annual cost of about $29 billion to homeowners.”

If you are like most Americans, you probably spend hundreds of dollars every month on electricity bills, with a huge portion of the amount going towards running your air conditioning system. This is especially true of the summer months. As experienced providers of air conditioning services in Florida, we understand this.

The good news is that you can keep your home cool all through the summer without blowing up your air conditioning bill.

Here are a few easy ways to keep your energy bills in check while breezing through Florida’s hot and humid weather.

1. Keep Your Curtains Drawn

One of the simplest ways of keeping your home cool is by closing the curtains or blinds or shades during the day. This will help prevent solar heat gain, regardless of the window treatments you have.

It is always a good idea to go for light-colored window treatments as these colors deflect the sun’s rays, keeping your home cool. Also, place the treatments close to the window panes for best results.

At night, however, keep your windows open to enable cross-ventilation. Doing so will facilitate the circulation of fresh air. The cool outside air will come indoors and spruce up your room, while replacing the heated air.

2. Use Ceiling and Portable Fans

You should make it a habit to use ceiling and portable fans in your home, especially in the upper levels. While fans are not as hi-tech as air conditioning systems, underestimate their impact at your own peril. Fans can help you cut down on air conditioning needs. The wind-chill effect created by fans can cool you down to a considerable extent.

You need to ensure that your portable fans are strategically placed, and that your ceiling fans have angled blades. The angle will help push the air downwards towards you. Unlike air conditioners, fans don’t cool the air. They work by making the air feel cooler by circulating it and shifting the body heat away from your person.

3. Use a Programmable Thermostat

Using a programmable thermostat can help adjust the temperature in your home when you’re away or asleep, reducing AC energy use.

According to the Department of Energy, “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.” Programmable thermostats can automate this process.

To further help matters, you should go for a thermostat equipped with an in-built timer. You can set the temperature as well as the hours of operation to maximize energy-efficiency, and of course, save on your energy bills.

4. Take Care of Your AC System

By maintaining your AC system, you can improve its operational efficiency and performance, while reducing energy consumption. If you’re not sure what it involves, it is prudent to hire a professional who knows exactly how to service the unit.

Certified maintenance can help prevent system breakdowns and expensive repairs in the long term. While hiring providers of air conditioning services in Florida may seem like an added expense, they will help improve your system’s efficiency and increase its lifespan. 

5. Replace Air Filters Regularly

Speaking of AC maintenance, the importance of replacing the air filters cannot be overlooked. Clean air filters keep your air conditioning unit running at top efficiency. The air circulates more freely as the vents are free of dust and grime. Dirty filters make your AC system work harder to circulate the air.

It is important to replace the air filters once every few months. This needs to be done more frequently if you have kids or pets.

However, if your air conditioning unit is more than a decade old, you will be better off replacing it with a new energy-efficient one. New AC unit costs in Florida vary by the model you choose. For best results, look for an Energy Star-certified unit.

6. Keep Your AC System out of the Sun

Where you place your AC system has a huge impact on its energy-efficiency. While air conditioning units don’t exactly add any aesthetic value to your home and you may be tempted to hide it away, don’t make the mistake of installing it outdoors in an area under direct sunlight.

As far as possible, try and install your system in a shaded area. Placing it under sunlight will make your system work much harder than it should. Further, avoid surrounding your unit with foliage as this may congest the condenser coils, hampering ventilation. To find the ideal spot, consult experienced providers of air conditioning services in Florida.

7. Weather Strip Doors and Windows

Another reason why your air conditioning system is forced to work harder than normal are poorly-sealed windows that leak air. This can be remedied by caulking leaks/cracks and weather stripping windows. Doing so will prevent the cooled indoor air from escaping and the hot outdoor air from entering inside.

Apart from your windows, you may also want to look for air leaks in your attic, walls, and crawl spaces. Fixing the leaks will enhance the performance of your AC system. If you have trouble detecting air leaks in your home, get professionals on the job. They will help improve energy-efficiency, leading to lowered electricity bills.

Conclusion

As you can see, it is possible to keep your home cool without overworking your air conditioning system. What’s more? You need not break the bank in doing so. The people of Florida are used to living in hot and humid weather conditions, especially in the summers. Hopefully, the above tips will help you maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without much effort. 

Call Licensed Providers of Air Conditioning Services in Florida Now

Stop wondering about new AC unit cost in Florida, and consider ways to stay cool and comfortable in the heat without inflating your air conditioning bills. Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning and Restoration is hereto help! Whether it is AC repair, replacement or maintenance, our superior air conditioning services in Florida can ensure your system is always up and running optimally. To know more, call us at (561) 245-7435 or schedule a service call on our website.

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