South Jersey summers get hot. They get humid, too. Before long, your air conditioner is running all day. Then the electric bill arrives and ruins everyone’s mood.
Fortunately, you can lower your cooling costs without making your home uncomfortable. A few simple changes can help.
Here are five good places to start.
1. Raise the Thermostat — Just a Little
We are not suggesting that you turn your home into a sauna. Just raise the thermostat by a degree or two.
Try setting it between 76 and 78 degrees when you are home. Raise it a few more degrees when the house is empty.
A smart thermostat can handle these changes for you. It follows your schedule. It also remembers to adjust the temperature when you forget.
And please, do not set the thermostat to 60 degrees when you feel hot. It will not cool the house faster. Your air conditioner understands temperature. It does not understand panic.
2. Check Your Air Filter
When was the last time you changed your air filter?
If you had to stop and think about it, you may want to check it now.
A dirty filter blocks airflow. This makes your air conditioner work harder. It can also increase your cooling costs.
Check the filter every month during the summer. Most filters should be changed every one to three months. You may need to replace yours more often if you have pets. They are wonderful companions. They are also professional fur distributors.
A clean filter can improve airflow, reduce energy use and protect your AC system.
3. Keep the Heat Outside
The summer sun can heat your home quickly. Your air conditioner then has to remove all that extra heat.
Close your blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day. Pay extra attention to windows that get direct afternoon sunlight.
A few other changes can help:
- Use the oven less on very hot days.
- Run the dishwasher at night.
- Use the clothes dryer during cooler hours.
- Turn off lights you are not using.
- Seal gaps around doors and windows.
Ceiling fans can also help you feel cooler. This may allow you to raise the thermostat a little. Just turn the fan off when you leave. Fans cool people, not rooms. Your sofa does not need a refreshing breeze.
4. Schedule AC Maintenance
Your air conditioner can still produce cold air while using too much energy. Dirt and worn parts can reduce its efficiency. Airflow problems can also make it run longer.
Professional AC maintenance can help your system work properly. It can also find small problems before they become expensive ones.
During a tune-up, a technician may:
- Clean and inspect the outdoor unit.
- Check the system’s cooling performance.
- Test electrical parts.
- Inspect the drain.
- Check the thermostat.
- Measure airflow.
- Look for worn or failing parts.
Regular maintenance can help your system keep up.
It may also prevent a breakdown during the hottest week of summer. Naturally, that is when air conditioners prefer to make their complaints known.
5. Know When It Is Time to Replace Your AC
Air conditioners do not last forever. Older systems often use more electricity and require more repairs.
To know when AC replacement is necessary, look for these warning signs:
- The system runs constantly.
- Some rooms stay warm.
- Your electric bills keep rising.
- Repairs are becoming frequent.
- The system makes unusual noises.
- Your home still feels humid.
- The air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
A new, high-efficiency system may use less energy. It may also improve comfort and humidity control.
However, the new system must be the correct size. Bigger is not always better. An oversized air conditioner may turn on and off too often. This can waste energy and leave your home feeling humid.
Lower Cooling Costs Across Salem County
These simple changes can help homeowners throughout Salem County. We provide air conditioning services in Pennsville, Woodstown and Carney’s Point, where hot and humid weather can keep AC systems working hard all summer.
Start with your thermostat, air filter and window coverings. If your system still runs constantly, there may be an airflow problem, worn part or another issue that needs professional attention.
When Your Air Conditioner Needs More Help
Regular maintenance or a timely repair may improve your system’s performance and lower your cooling costs. However, if your air conditioner is old and inefficient, replacement may be the better long-term choice.
Laury Heating Cooling & Plumbing has served South Jersey since 1945. Our NATE-certified technicians provide AC maintenance, repair and replacement throughout Pennsville and Salem County. Contact us today to schedule service and give your air conditioner a little help this summer.
