Homeowners might think the best thing about their air conditioner is how comfortable their home feels when it’s on. Actually, the best thing about a great air conditioner is the unbelievable energy savings that accompany the cool air.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), homeowners in Texas consume 12% more energy with their AC than the average homeowner in the U.S.; we deal with a different kind of heat here in Texas, which means we need the best of the best air conditioners. We also need to make it a habit to lower our energy consumption. With these measures in place, homeowners can even lower their annual energy bill! Read on for 5 ways to save on AC costs this summer.

Regulate your indoor temperature.

Your thermostat is a vital part of your HVAC system. If it doesn’t work properly, then you could be spending too much on your AC. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends you set your temperature as high as possible to cut down on any unnecessary cooling, day or night.

Your daily temperature cycles can also be completely regulated. A programmable thermostat can help cut cooling costs without you having to stay on top of your AC 24/7.

Keep blinds closed during the day to reduce the amount of sunlight.

If you’re worried your home will be too hot when you turn up the thermostat, there are other ways to keep your home cool and still save money. The sun’s rays can send temperatures skyrocketing as they enter through your window. Keep your blinds closed at least during the afternoon to minimize the amount of heat that enters your home.

Use your ceiling fans.

A little known fact about your ceiling fans is they can actually have two settings. There should be a switch near the base of the fan that changes the direction the blades rotate, which can create a downdraft during the summer and an updraft during the winter.

To create a downdraft in the summer, make sure your blades rotate counterclockwise. The Department of Energy determined using your ceiling fans to circulate air and create a draft allows you to turn your thermostat up 4˚ without any cost to your comfort.

Maintain your system properly.

The key to saving on all HVAC costs, let alone air conditioning repairs, is by scheduling tune-ups with a trusted HVAC professional. AC maintenance is an easy way to keep your system in tip top shape. Every hard working system experiences wear and tear that contributes to minor and major issues over time.

Simple preventative maintenance includes changing your air filters every month, but you can also schedule maintenance tune-ups with Willard AC! Our techs will keep your system running at peak efficiency.

Upgrade your unit to a more energy efficient system.

Every few years, HVAC manufacturers develop a more advanced version of HVAC systems, which improves upon what is known as the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, or SEER rating. Recent innovations include a variable speed compressor designed for efficiency and equipment facilitating high speed connections between your thermostat and the unit.

The extra bells and whistles may seem pricey at first, but air conditioners with higher SEER ratings will save you more money in the long run than older units. According to the Department of Energy, maximizing your system’s energy efficiency can save you up to 50% on energy costs.

Willard AC knows everything there is to know about high quality HVAC systems. We can help you find the perfect unit for your home today. Just give us a call.