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8 Ways to Cut Cooling Costs

During the warmer months, air conditioning can account for up to 60% of your energy bill. That's a lot of money that could be saved by making some simple changes to how you use your AC unit!

In this blog, we will provide a number of hacks to help slash your cooling bills. By following these tips, you can keep your home cool and comfortable without breaking the bank.

1. Install Blackout Curtains

While it may be enticing to let in natural light and take in the view of the great outdoors from inside your home, doing so can actually do more harm than good. When the sun shines in through your windows, it heats up your home, making it harder for your air conditioner to keep things cool.

To prevent this from happening, invest in some blackout curtains. These will block out the sunlight and help keep your home cooler. Not to mention, they can also help you sleep better during the summer months!

2. Open Air Vents

Another simple hack is to ensure that all your air vents are open. This may seem counterintuitive – won’t more airflow make my AC unit work harder? – but closing off air vents puts strain on your system, which can lead to costly repairs down the road. So, save yourself some money and open those air vents! Your AC unit will thank you.

3. Change Your Air Filter

This is something that homeowners often forget to do, but changing your air filter regularly is crucial to maintaining a well-functioning AC unit. A dirty air filter not only makes your air conditioner work harder but can also lead to poor air quality in your home.

To avoid this, be sure to check your air filter monthly, or as often as it says on the package and change it when necessary. It’s a simple task that can make a big difference in how efficiently your AC unit runs.

4. Set a Default Temperature

On the list of simple solutions, setting your thermostat to a default temperature is a hassle-free way to cut back on costs. By setting your air conditioner to a higher temperature when you’re not home, you can save money without sacrificing comfort.

5. Install a Smart Thermostat

If you’re worried about coming home to a stuffy house, consider investing in a smart thermostat. These allow you to control the temperature of your home from your phone, so you can always come home to a comfortable house – no matter how hot it is outside!

6. Use Your Ceiling Fans

When your home is just too warm for comfort, you should turn on the ceiling fan! While ceiling fans can only be used in one room at a time, they produce a wind-chill effect on your skin that's sure to keep you cool during the day. Not to mention, they use a lot less energy than air conditioners, so you can save money while using them.

7. Turn Off Appliances You Aren't Using

Appliances may not be directly related to your home's air conditioner but they do produce enough heat while running to warm your home. Large appliances use a lot of energy that results in extra heat in your home, which means your air conditioner has to work harder to keep your home cool.

When you're not using certain large appliances or other electronics, we suggest unplugging them to reduce heat output.

8. As Always, Schedule Maintenance With Griffin Mechanical, LLC

Last but not least, be sure to schedule regular maintenance with your air conditioning company, like us at Griffin Mechanical, LLC. This will help ensure that your unit is running efficiently and can catch any potential problems before they become larger (and more expensive) issues.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a maintenance appointment, please contact us at (615) 502-3030 today. We’d be happy to help!