5 Ways to Save Money on Your AC and Summer Energy Bill

As the summer months approach, we are all looking to save some pennies where we can. So why not start with your costly utility bills? 

The US Department of Energy (DOE) says air conditioning can account for 35 to 40 percent of your utility bill here in Montana. At Design Air, we take energy efficiency seriously.

We understand high energy bills are sometimes unavoidable when air conditioning is crucial for comfort during the hot months. That’s why our five simple tips for staying cool and using your air conditioner (AC) less may help you cut costs and save money on your monthly energy bill.

1. Proper operation of the a/c.

For our mountainous region, most traditional air conditioners should not be operated under 72 degrees outdoor temperature without specialized added accessories. To prevent freezing and overwork of the air conditioner and thus higher energy bills, turn up the thermostat to 72 degrees. At night, turn up to 75 or shut off and open the windows. Just doing these two things can save you up to 10 percent on your monthly bill.

You should turn up your thermostat when not home as well while still maintaining a reasonable temperature throughout the day. The more the air conditioner has to “catch up” in the evening when you get home during the hottest part of the day, the more it costs to run. We recommend increasing the temperature 3 degrees. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to return to desired temperature at least an hour before you arrive back home.

2. Keep up with regular maintenance.

We strongly recommend regular air conditioner maintenance to keep your cooling system running as efficiently as possible. You should schedule a professional tune-up at least once a season, but there are a few additional things you can do yourself.

Check, clean, and/or replace your air filter. Airflow is so important for efficient air conditioner function, and a dirty or clogged air filter is the prime suspect when a unit is using too much energy. 

3. Inspect your air ducts.

For effective cooling in your Florence home, it’s also important to have functioning air ducts. Without adequate duct insulation, sizing, or sealing, your air conditioning system will not be able to efficiently carry cool air from room to room. If this is the case, you will end up pushing out more air than you are using and paying a fortune on your monthly energy bill.

You can prevent this by looking around your home for blocked registers or disconnected and damaged ducts. If you suspect an issue with your ductwork, or find air leaking into unwanted places like your attic or crawl space, call one of our Design Air professionals to come repair and restore proper airflow to your ducts.

4. Utilize fans.

Whenever possible, turn down your air conditioner and supplement your Florence home’s warmer temperature by making use of ceiling and room fans. Air circulation is a huge factor in keeping cool. Our bodies have their own evaporative cooling system (sweat), and utilizing fans to keep air circulating helps us use this to stay cool.

5. Remember to shade.

Keeping your air conditioner’s outdoor condenser shaded and cool can save you up to 10 percent on your bill. Check the condenser for debris and growth, and clear away anything covering the coils. A minimum of a two-foot clearance is a recommended rule of thumb.

Keeping the coils exposed is important for airflow. Be sure you gently clean the coils at the beginning of each season before using your system for the first time.

Additionally, keeping your blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day to shade your interior can also help to save you money. With inside temperatures being lower, your air conditioner won’t need to work as hard and will use less energy.

Call Us for All Your Cooling Needs

At Design Air, we are here for all your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning needs. Your comfort is a high priority to us, and we want to help you keep your Florence, Montana, home as cool as possible in an energy-efficient manner during the warmer months. Call us at 406-251-7997 or request service online today!