Spring is here and with it come potential spikes in your energy bill. Avoid excessive cooling costs with these four ideas.
Reduce Cooling Costs With a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat adjusts the temperature in your home according to settings you can pre-program for different times of the day. Thermostats offer different settings, so you can choose the one that best fits your lifestyle. There are even thermostats that “learn” your habits to create a schedule. By installing a programmable thermostat you could save up to 10 percent on heating and cooling costs
Use a Fan
Ceiling fans allow you to raise the thermostat setting about four degrees without a noticeable impact on your comfort. Although a fan uses only a fraction of the energy of a AC unit, it’s important to remember to turn off your fans when you leave your house. Leaving them on when you leave serves no purpose, as the chill wind effect of a fan cools people, not the room itself.
Install Energy-Efficient Window Coverings
Energy-efficient window coverings prevent energy loss through the windows, helping you save on your energy bills. Cellular shades, for example, can reduce unwanted solar heat through windows by up to 80 percent. If the shades are installed with a tight fit, the total solar gain can be reduced to 15 percent. Window quilts, roller shades, Roman shades and blinds are some other energy-efficient window coverings you can consider.
Insulate Your Attic And Walls
One of the keys to saving energy is preventing warm air from leaking into your home. Therefore, it makes sense to insulate your attic and walls and seal any cracks and openings. On the outside of your house, inspect all areas where two different materials meet, such as exterior corners and outdoor water faucets. Inside your home you can look for cracks in areas like electrical outlets, baseboards, door and window frames and switch plates.
At Zero Heating AC & Refrigeration we install, repair, maintain and replace equipment and service all brands of air conditioning. We offer dependable service delivered with the utmost professionalism.
We’re located at 4142 Hickory Sun, San Antonio, Texas. Contact us today using our website or through our social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter and to schedule a repair or to get an estimate. We also offer financing plans for your convenience!