Every time summer rolls around in Tucson, AZ, many homeowners wind up overspending on air conditioning. There are various ways you can reduce consumption and ensure the energy you do consume is put to good use.

Know What Causes High Energy Bills

Before we get into three tips for lowering your bills, you need to know what’s raising those bills. It might be bad maintenance, an oversized AC, leaky ductwork or a drafty house. You could make matters worse, too, by heeding myths like the idea that closing vents to unused rooms saves energy.

Method 1: Program the Thermostat

One of the first things you can do to lower energy consumption is to program your thermostat, raising the set point for those times when you’re asleep or away. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% on your cooling bills if you raise the temperature 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours every day.

Method 2: Clean the Filters and Coils

Next, you can turn to the central air conditioner itself. For an AC to operate smoothly and thus keep your bills down, the air must be allowed to circulate without obstructions. You can easily replace the filters yourself, but leave the evaporator coil in the air handler, the condenser coil in the outdoor unit and duct cleaning to a professional.

Method 3: Seal Drafts in Windows and Doors

Even if your AC runs just fine, the air it produces could be sucked out of your house all too soon if the windows and doors are not sealed. You can choose from numerous weatherstripping materials to seal these drafts: caulking, open-cell foam tape, metal and vinyl strips, etc.

Hire Our NATE-Certified Technicians

If you live in Tucson, AZ, you can turn to Crest Air for cooling services that will help you save money in the long run. We’re proud to offer AC maintenance services, so give us a call today.

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