If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it may very well be time to upgrade to a newer, more efficient model. Older models run at about 60% efficiency, while new models run at more than 90% efficiency. Every SEER level increase can save you nearly 10% on your energy bill. Upgrading you 60% efficient air conditioner to a 90% efficient air conditioner mean you can drop your $100 bill to $65 per month.
One of the best ways to increase the efficiency of your current system is to make sure it's clean. - Clear debris off the condenser—the part of the unit that is outside your home.
- Make sure your air filters are clean and vacuum the dust out of the condenser, the portion of the unit on the inside of the house.
- A professional tune-up and cleaning is money well spent and could extent the life span of your current air-conditioner.
And, with the weather becoming cooler at night, why not have your furnace tuned and cleaned at the same time. As you know, the weather in Colorado can change within days.
Here are some other tips to help keep your house cool during the last couple months of summer.
Install bamboo or shade cloth to any outdoor area around your house. Even over the entrances to your house. This will increase the living area of your home and shade the areas around your home keeping it cooler inside.
Install ceiling fans to help cool your house by circulating the air as well as providing a breeze to make your home feel cooler.
Not only can drafty doors and windows let cold air into your house during the winter, they also allow cooled air to escape during the summer. Installing energy-efficient double-paned windows will reduce drafts and keep your air conditioner from heating the outdoors as well.
Plant deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in the winter) on the south facing side of your house. You'll have natural shade in the summer and the house will be exposed to the sun during the winter.
Did you know turning down your air conditioner really will educe your energy bill? Every degree you increase your air conditioner, you'll save one percent on your energy bill. A ceiling fan will keep the cool are moving
An advantage to living in Colorado is the cool evenings. Opening all the windows at night will bring cool air into the house. Close the windows in the early morning will trap that cool air in your home for quite some time. Similarly, keep your blinds or drapes closed to rooms with the most sun exposure. This could keep those rooms cooler by up to 10 degrees.
Keep the blinds closed and doors closed to unused rooms in your home. This will help your air conditioner run more efficiently and save you money.
BBQ as often as possible. Avoid heating up the kitchen if you don't have to. The oven isn't the only heat producing appliance. Lights, computer monitors, dryers and dishwashers contribute to warming up the house. Only run the dishwasher when it's full. Run your washer and dryer only when you have a full load.
If your air conditioner is less than 10 years old, schedule a tune-up and cleaning to extend it's life expectancy.
If it's older than 10 years, take advantage NOW of all the tax rebates and credits currently offered.
Ask us to tune and clean your furnace while we're there to avoid the rush this spring.
Leave Energy Bill Savings page to Schedule and Appointment NOW!
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