When the mercury and humidity rise during the summer months in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, you’ll likely find yourself reaching for the thermostat to lower the temperature setting. While this will help you and your family stay cooler, it can also cause your energy bills to spike.

It’s no secret that your cooling system requires a lot of energy to properly cool homes or businesses. Because of this, you are probably looking for ways to reduce the amount of time it runs every day to save a little more of your hard-earned money.

With that in mind, Rusk Heating & Cooling offers up several energy-saving tips to help stay cool this summer while keeping costs down. For all of your air conditioning maintenance, repair and installation needs, don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Tips to Lower Your Air Conditioning Costs

Turn Your Thermostat Up

The best way to control cooling costs is by adjusting your thermostat a few degrees during the summer. Even raising your thermostat one or two degrees can help you save money and energy.

According to the Department of Energy, you can save about 1% on cooling costs for each degree you adjust the thermostat. In total, it’s estimated homeowners can save as much as 10% a year on heating and air conditioning by simply adjusting the thermostat 7° to 10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.

Replace Your Air Filters

Clean air filters play an important role in helping your air conditioner run efficiently. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, replacing clogged or dirty filters can reduce your AC’s energy consumption by as much as 5 to 15%. Many homeowners replace HVAC filters about once a month, but make sure you check your system’s operating manual for the right type of air filter and the correct replacement interval.

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are beneficial because they create a wind-chill effect to help keep your home cool. Running a ceiling fan counterclockwise in the summer will push cool, conditioned air down to the floor and can help a room feel up to four degrees cooler.

If you don’t have ceiling fans in your home, you might want to consider installing them in a few rooms that you are having difficulty keeping cool. Just remember to turn the fan off when you’re not in the room, otherwise, you’ll be adding to your electric bill and not lowering it.

Routine Maintenance

Your HVAC unit should be tuned up at least once a year to ensure it is working at peak energy efficiency. This will help prevent breakdowns and lead to energy savings. Give Rusk Heating & Cooling a call today to schedule an appointment. Don’t risk your air conditioner malfunctioning during the hot summer months because you put off regular maintenance.

Close Blinds and Curtains to Prevent Solar Heat Gain

Closing curtains, blinds and shades in your home during the day when the sun is out can prevent solar heat gain. Light-colored treatments deflect the sun’s rays better than darker hues.

Avoid Heat-producing Activities During the Day

Another easy tip to lower electricity costs related to cooling your home is by not performing heat-producing activities during the day. This can include waiting until the evening to use the dishwasher, run the washer and dryer and use the stove or oven.

Landscape smartly

Planting trees and shrubs around your house, especially around the south and west sides of your home, will limit the amount of sunlight on your home and reduce cooling bills. It’s also a good idea to plant shrubs around your AC’s outdoor condenser unit for improved efficiency. Just be sure to provide enough space so you don’t block air flow.

AC Replacement Services from Rusk

If your cooling costs are sky-high, it could be because you have an old AC unit that isn’t nearly as energy efficient as it once was. Upgrading to a new AC system can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills. According to Energy.gov, homeowners can save 20-40% on cooling energy costs by replacing a system that is 10 years old with a more efficient model with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) rating of 15.

Consider replacing your air conditioner if you notice any of the following signs:

  • Higher energy bills and lower AC performance
  • Frequent short cycling (turning on and off)
  • Strange smells or noises
  • Frequent repairs
  • Your AC is 10-15 years old or older

Contact Rusk for Quality Air Conditioning Services

Rusk Heating and Cooling is a leader in providing the residents of Covington, KY and Cincinnati with quality cooling services. Whether you need maintenance, repairs or installation services, you can trust the NATE-certified technicians at Rusk to do a great job. Contact us today to schedule service.