You Can Save Money on Your Air Conditioning and Summer Energy Costs With These Simple Tips
There are a lot of easy things you can do to increase your air conditioner’s efficiency and to keep the inside of your home cool during the summer heat
Summer heat can drive energy costs through the roof if your air conditioner runs nonstop. With a few simple adjustments, a little preventive maintenance and strategic home upgrades, you can keep the house cool without overloading your budget. Use these tips to lower your cooling bills and still enjoy a comfortable indoor temperature all season long.
- Raise the thermostat setting by one or two degrees
- Switch your whole house fan to auto instead of on
- Schedule annual spring maintenance
- Keep the outdoor unit clear
- Seal and insulate ductwork
- Change or clean filters regularly
- Use ceiling fans properly
- Optimize window coverings
- Upgrade to ENERGY STAR equipment when needed
- Consider attic ventilation or insulation upgrades
- Schedule off peak cooling if available
- Take advantage of North Carolina rebates and incentives
For each degree you raise the thermostat, you can save about 1% on your cooling bill. Aim for 78 degrees when you’re at home and raise the setting higher when you leave. A programmable thermostat can automate these changes so you never forget.
Running the fan continuously circulates warm attic air back through ductwork, making your air conditioner work harder. Set the fan to auto so it runs only when the AC cycles on. You may save up to $15 per month on energy costs.
Like an oil change for your car, spring maintenance keeps your AC running efficiently and prevents breakdowns during the hottest days. A professional tune-up can restore lost efficiency and spot small problems before they become costly repairs.
Trim shrubs and remove debris so at least 2 to 3 feet on all sides and 4 feet above the outdoor unit remain clear. Good airflow around the condenser helps the system shed heat more effectively.
Leaky ducts can waste up to 20% of cooled air before it reaches your living spaces. Use mastic sealant or metal tape to seal gaps and wrap ducts in R8 insulation to prevent heat gain in unconditioned areas.
A dirty filter restricts airflow, reduces efficiency and increases energy use by up to 20%. Check your filter monthly and replace or clean it as recommended by the manufacturer.
Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect allowing you to raise the thermostat by about 3 degrees without losing comfort. Run fans only when the room is occupied and set blades to rotate counterclockwise in summer.
Close blinds or curtains on south and west facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Reflective blinds and insulated drapes can block solar heat gain and reduce cooling load.
If your AC unit is over 15 years old, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR certified system with a SEER rating of 14 or higher. Higher efficiency models often pay for themselves in energy savings within five years.
A well insulated attic and attic ventilation fan can lower attic temperatures by 10 to 20 degrees, reducing heat transfer into living spaces and cutting cooling costs.
Some utilities offer time of use plans with lower rates during off peak hours. Running your AC or charging a smart thermostat’s thermal storage during cheaper times can save you money.
North Carolina residents can apply for electric utility rebates from Duke Energy (Duke Energy rebates) and Dominion Energy NC (Dominion Energy HVAC rebates), as well as natural gas rebates from Piedmont Natural Gas (Piedmont Natural Gas rebates) and PSNC Energy (PSNC Energy rebates). You may also qualify for the federal Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit, consult the IRS guidance, and state programs like the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebate (HEAR) and Homeowner Managing Efficiency Savings (HOMES) through the NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ rebates). For a comprehensive list of state and federal incentives, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE).
By implementing these straightforward steps, you can lower your summer energy bills, stay comfortable and reduce your cooling system’s environmental impact.