It’s difficult staying comfortable during summertime in Texas. It can also become quite expensive as electricity bills climb to astronomical heights. With the hopes of saving you money – and aggravation – Here are 7 ways to beat the Texas heat and improve AC efficiency.
Clean AC Filters
Improve AC efficiency checking by your AC and replacing filters every month. Filters that are dirty and clogged become a primary cause of AC unit breakdowns, and they can increase energy costs by as much as 5 percent. Stock up on multi-packs of filters at your local retail outlet and keep them in your garage or storage room to serve as a reminder to check your filters on a monthly basis.
Utilize Window Coverings
Keep your blinds, curtains, and shades closed, particularly during the most brutal hours of 3 to 6 p.m. Sunlight carries a great deal of heat, and windows are the single largest heat inflow for most homes during summer days. This is true particularly for windows facing the south and west, which emit the most direct sunlight. Be sure to reopen them again after the sun goes down to help any extra heat escape.
Make Sure Your AC is Well-Maintaned
Be proactive and lower your AC bills by performing a tuneup – or having your AC service complete one – on your air conditioning unit. This will help prevent your energy costs from increasing by as much as 30 percent. AC evaporator coils should be cleaned, and AC ducts should be checked for leaks.
Keep Ceiling Fans On
Do you realize that by using the ceiling fans throughout your home, you are able to raise your thermostat temperature by as much as 4˚F and enjoy the same level of cool comfort? Ensure that each fan is turning in a counter clockwise direction (as you’re looking at it), and is blowing the air straight down.
Keep Windows and Doors Properly Sealed
Improve AC efficiency by ensuring that cold air isn’t escaping from your property by sealing your windows and doors. Inexpensive materials such as weather stripping for doors and caulking for windows can really help you achieve this, which in turn will further cut your energy costs.
Switch to CFL
Compact Florescent Lighting bulbs use less energy because they create 70 to 90 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs. In fact, up to 9 percent of electricity used by regular bulbs is converted to heat, not light.
Update Your Therostat
Programmable thermostats enable you to nudge the temperature up by 4 to 6˚F when you are away from home. This will help you reduce your electric bill by 10 to 15 percent.
Contact Us
The friendly folks at James Lane Co. are proud to provide this information to help you improve your ac efficiency and save money on your energy bills.
James Lane Co., established in 1957, offers 24-hour emergency service for all urgent repair needs by calling 1-800-460-2204 or 940-766-0244. You may also visit the company’s website at www.jameslane.com. Located at 5024 Jacksboro Highway in Wichita Falls, Texas (76302), James Lane Co. provides plumbing, heating and air conditioning repair, drain cleaning, and related services to homes and businesses in Wichita Falls and the surrounding areas.
