It’s a simple fact of life: with increased air conditioning use comes increased energy bills. Here’s another point: there are simple things you can do to help your air conditioner run more efficiently. And by doing this, you can lower your energy bills. Follow along as we show you how.

1. Keep your blinds closed: By some estimates, up to 30% of unwanted heat comes from your windows — that’s quite a bit! Keeping shades and curtains closed when the sun is shining can help your HVAC system run more efficiently by lowering room temperatures up to 10 degrees. Those numbers can add up to significant monthly savings. Bonus tip: Consider a good set of blackout curtains for south and west-facing windows where the sun’s rays are the strongest.
2. Set your ceiling fans to run counter-clockwise: By doing this, you create a nice gentle breeze that may help you feel cooler. Further, it helps distribute cool air evenly throughout the room. And if you feel more comfortable, you may be tempted to back off on air conditioning use, which in turn reduces wear and lowers energy consumption.
3. Raise the thermostat temperature: Did you know that most people are comfortable with a room temperature of 76 and 78 degrees? If you like it cool, try increasing your thermostat temperature one degree at a time until you find a temperature where you’re comfortable. It’s a great way to reduce the overuse of your air conditioner and save on your bills.
4. Bonus — Change your filters and call for maintenance: If you’ve read our blog posts, you know that we stress the importance of changing your HVAC system’s filters. Clean filters provide optimum airflow and help maintain efficiency. Having a qualified air conditioning contractor perform routine maintenance is also key to making sure things are running as efficiently as possible.

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