How much of your household energy budget goes to air conditioning? According to the U.S Energy Information Administration, the average home uses 12 percent of its energy on air conditioning. American homeowners spend about $29 billion each year to keep cool.
That’s a decent chunk of your household budget. Luckily, there are ways to stay comfortable throughout the summer while keeping your central air conditioning expenses to a minimum. Roach Energy has been keeping Eastern Panhandle families comfortable year-round since 1952. Let us help you mitigate your cooling costs with some effective thermostat use.
We suggest families keep their thermostats set to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. This temperature is a good balance between home comfort and energy savings. Try keeping your home at this temperature for a few days and see how your family likes it. You may choose to lower it slightly but try to find a moderate setting and stick with it.
Here are a few other strategies for staying cool for less when outside temperatures are high.
According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10 percent a year on heating and cooling expenses by turning back your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees from its standard setting for 8 hours a day.
If your home has a programmable thermostat, you can preset these adjustments to times when you’re out of the house or asleep. You can also invest in a Wi-Fi-enabled smart thermostat. This not only allows you to pre-program temperature adjustment but also can adjust your temperature for you when it detects you aren’t home.
Simple as it may seem, pairing a ceiling fan with your A/C can save you a lot of money. By moving air around in your home, your rooms will feel more comfortable, and you will use your central A/C less. And fans use much less electricity than A/C equipment.
Each month during the summer, you should check your HVAC system’s air filters and change or clean them if they’re dirty. This can improve your system’s efficiency by 10 to 15 percent. It also helps prevent breakdowns and helps it last longer.
When your HVAC equipment gets yearly maintenance, you will use less energy to stay cool in the summer. An annual tune-up also lowers the chance of a breakdown on a hot afternoon.
When you sign up for a Roach Energy Air Conditioning Service Plan, we provide a free tune-up, as well as discounts on parts and labor for repairs. It’s an affordable way to keep your A/C running at peak performance while having peace of mind that you’re protected if your system breaks down.
Contact us today to learn more about our service plans or schedule an A/C tune-up.
