As the vibrant greens of spring give way to the radiant blues of summer in the Chicagoland area, the season paints a picture of beauty and warmth. While the sunny days beckon for outdoor adventures, the heat often sends us scurrying back to the cool comforts of our homes. Summer, with its long days and warm nights, can be truly delightful, but it also brings with it the challenge of keeping cool without breaking the bank.
This is where your air conditioner becomes your unsung hero. If it’s not managed wisely, however, it can significantly increase your energy bills.
5 Tips To Help You Save Money On AC In The Summer
- Adjusting Your Thermostat: Understanding what the best temperature is for your AC in the summer can help you experience substantial savings. The ideal temperature setting for both comfort and efficiency is 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home. When you’re out, setting your thermostat to a few degrees above your normal comfort level can make a significant difference in your energy consumption as well.
- Running Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to enhance your air conditioner’s efficiency. These fans use significantly less electricity compared to AC units and can make a room feel up to seven degrees cooler. By circulating the air, they create a draft that allows you to save energy and avoid turning up the thermostat.
- Controlling Indoor Humidity: High humidity levels can make indoor temperatures feel warmer than they are. Using dehumidifiers, especially in high-humidity areas of your home, can make the air feel cooler and lead to less stress on your air conditioning unit. You’ll be able to slightly raise the temperature of your air conditioning system without compromising on the comfort and cool air in your home.
- Invest In A Smart Thermostat: Smart thermostats are a game-changer for managing your air conditioning. These devices can learn your schedule and adjust temperatures accordingly, ensuring that your home is comfortably cool when you’re there and conserving energy when you’re away or asleep. You can also control them remotely, making it easy to adjust settings on the go.
- Schedule AC Maintenance & Change Your Air Filter: Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your AC unit runs efficiently throughout the summer months. An under-maintained AC can consume more power and still underperform. Similarly, changing your air filter regularly can prevent airflow blockages, ensuring your system operates at peak energy efficiency.
Benefits of Preventative Maintenance
The adage ‘prevention is better than cure’ couldn’t be truer when it comes to air conditioning systems. Preventative maintenance holds the key to keeping your AC running smoothly and avoiding those dreaded emergency repairs. Here’s why it’s so beneficial:
- Extends Lifespan: Regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of your AC unit. Think of it as a regular health check-up for your cooling system.
- Improves Efficiency: Regular maintenance ensures your AC runs at optimum efficiency, which means it cools your home more effectively and uses less energy to do so.
- Reduces Energy Bills: An efficient AC unit consumes less energy, leading to lower energy bills. It’s an investment that pays off in the long run.
- Prevents Expensive Breakdowns: Regular check-ups can detect minor issues before they become major problems, saving you from costly emergency repairs.
- Ensures Consistent Comfort: Consistent preventative maintenance keeps your home comfortably cool throughout the summer, without unexpected interruptions.
- Maintains Warranty: Many manufacturers require regular maintenance to keep the warranty valid, protecting your investment in the long run.
How It Saves You From Expensive Emergency Repairs
By catching issues early, preventative maintenance reduces the likelihood of sudden breakdowns. When an AC unit is neglected, it’s more prone to major malfunctions, which often happen during the peak of summer when the system is under the most stress. These emergency repairs are not only inconvenient but can also be quite costly. Regular maintenance, on the other hand, allows for the timely replacement of worn-out parts and the correction of minor issues, saving you from the hassle and expense of emergency repairs.
When Is It Time To Replace Your Air Conditioning System
Recognizing when it’s time to replace your AC system is crucial for maintaining comfort and efficiency. Here are some telltale signs that it’s time for an upgrade:
- Age of the Unit: If your AC is more than 10-15 years old, it might be time to consider a replacement, especially if repairs are becoming more frequent and costly.
- Frequent Repairs: An increase in the frequency and cost of repairs can indicate that your AC is on its last legs.
- Decreased Efficiency: If your energy bills are steadily increasing despite regular maintenance, it could be a sign of decreasing efficiency in your AC unit.
- Inconsistent Temperatures: Experiencing hot spots or uneven cooling in your home could be a sign of an aging or failing system.
- Strange Noises or Smells: Unusual sounds or odors emanating from your AC unit can be indicators of serious problems that might warrant a replacement.
Keys Signs Of An Inefficient Air Conditioning System
An inefficient AC system not only struggles to keep you comfortable but also impacts your pocket. Key signs of inefficiency include:
- High Energy Bills: One of the most noticeable signs of an inefficient system is a significant increase in your energy bills.
- Poor Air Flow: Weak or inconsistent airflow throughout your home can be a sign of a failing compressor or obstructed ducts.
- Frequent Cycles: If your AC is constantly cycling on and off, it’s a sign that it’s not operating efficiently.
- Humidity Problems: An efficient AC should moderate humidity levels. If your home feels more humid than usual, your system might be underperforming.
Once your aging system begins experiencing the issues listed above, or others that require more than one repair per calendar year, it’s time to consider a replacement. The upfront cost of a new cooling system might not seem like it’s worth it, however, the efficiency you’ll experience longer term will make it worth your while.
In addition to less expensive utility bills and a lack of AC repairs, you won’t have to worry as much about your new air conditioning system breaking down or running improperly.
Air Conditioning Repairs & Replacements With Elite HVAC in Skokie, Illinois
As summer approaches, we at Elite HVAC know it’s the perfect time for you to get your AC unit repaired or replaced. For residents in and around Skokie, Illinois, we offer comprehensive air conditioning services.
Our team of skilled technicians is dedicated to ensuring your system is in prime condition, helping you stay cool while keeping your energy bills in check. When you schedule a repair or new installation with us, we not only repair to enhance the efficiency of your unit but also extend its lifespan, ensuring it remains a reliable ally in your fight against the summer heat.
When your system can no longer be optimized, we will provide replacement options that fit the specifications of your home as well as your budget. With Elite HVAC, we work together to keep you cool, save you money, and ensure you enjoy warmer weather in comfort.
