Save Money With These A/C Operating Tips

Keeping your home cool during a South Carolina summer is an expensive chore. With the cost of energy staying high, it's more important than ever to get the most from your energy dollars. We are pleased to offer these A/C operating tips to help keep your home cool and comfortable for less money.

The thermostat is your friend

• Get in the habit of operating your thermostat efficiently. Unless you have a programmable thermostat, don’t set it and forget it. Turn the temperature up when the house is empty and during overnight hours.
• Try keeping the temperature in the house a little warmer than usual. 78 degrees can be quite comfortable once you get used to it.

Keep the air moving

• Using fans, especially ceiling fans, will allow you to raise your thermostat setting about 4 degrees.
• Turn fans off when you leave the room. Fans do not cool rooms; they cool people by creating a “wind-chill” effect.

Watch the windows

• Use window treatments to block the sunshine and reduce solar gain.
• Open windows and turn off the A/C whenever the temperature allows.

Stay in the dark

• Turn lights off whenever possible; light bulbs generate heat.
• Never place lamps near thermostats; the heat will create a false reading and force your system to run unnecessarily.

Take care of your system

• Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system.
• Keep grilles and vents clean.
• Make sure there is unobstructed airflow around the outdoor A/C components.

Don’t heat the house while you’re trying to cool it

• Avoid using the oven whenever possible.
• Trade out those incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
• Use exhaust fans while showering and cooking to remove excess heat.

By using these A/C operating tips, you can reduce your cooling costs. Another advantage you will receive is extended life of your equipment thanks to less run-time.

If you have any questions, or would like to learn more A/C operating tips to save you money, please contact us at Comfort Services. We provide quality HVAC services to homeowners in South Carolina's Midlands.