This summer’s temperatures are grueling and unforgiving. The consistently high temps combined with lack of precipitation have caused extreme drought conditions for most of southwest Missouri. Air conditioning offers us a break from these temperatures, but it can come at a high cost which is reflected on your energy bills. Depending on factors such as insulation, windows, and the condition of the HVAC system, your air conditioner may be running nonstop and working overtime to keep your house cool. This stress, on an older and less efficient air conditioner, can cause the system to break down.
Here are some things you can do to increase the energy efficiency of your home and make it easier on your air conditioner.
- Keep windows and shades closed during the day.
- Check the level of attic insulation. Exposed duct work can cause inefficiencies in heating and cooling.
- Turn off or unplug appliances when they are not in use. A television, for example, that is left on and not being watched, creates quite a bit of extra heat.
- Use portable or ceiling fans to circulate air. Rooms feel cooler when there is a large amount of airflow, so you can turn the thermostat up a few degrees.
- Check for air leaks around doors and windows where cold air can escape and hot air can come in.
- Create less heat. Use warm days to hang laundry outside for drying, and cook on an outdoor grill instead of heating up the house with the oven.
- Have your HVAC system serviced and maintained twice a year. A good cleaning and operation checkup, by our NATE certified technicians, will help maintain efficiency and can prevent costly repairs.
Maybe you’ve already done these things and your air conditioner is still having trouble keeping up. If that’s the case, it may be time for a service call or to update with a new and more efficient cooling system. We offer options for any size home, and financing is available with approved credit.
