HVAC Cool Savings

Air conditioners have become a commonplace appliance in most of our homes and businesses. I am sure you have thought about the cost of running your air conditioner. The truth is that in comparison with a household fan, a comparatively huge amount of electricity is required to operate a central air conditioner. So, here are a few handy tips by which you can tremendously reduce your electricity bills for your house.

• When you plan to buy an air conditioner, always see to it that the size of the air conditioning unit is in proportion to the size of the home. You don’t want one to big or to small for your home; if it is too big it will not pull the humidity out of the air and cost you more to operate.

• Always buy a unit with a SEER number (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) that is 13 or even higher. I would recommend 16 SEER or better in warmer climates.

• Regular maintenance of the air conditioning unit is a must. Service your system at the beginning of each cooling season. Clean the condenser coil and change the filters on your furnace.

• An old A/C system which has an SEER rating of 8 or less should be replaced with a more energy efficient system.

• Install a programmable thermostat, and then you can vary the temperature according to when you’re home. This is also a great comfort feature. For example: Have the air conditioning set so the house will be cool when you get home from work. Also it is nice to wake up to a warm house in the winter.

• Your A/C condenser should be positioned in a shady spot and it must have space to dispose of the heated air removed from the house so don’t have a deck built over the top of it.

• Plant shade trees and shrubs around your house will significantly reduce the heat of the sun.

• Seal up the air leaks in your house and this will tremendously reduce air conditioning costs as well as heating costs.

• Ensure that your attic is properly ventilated.

• Turn off lights, computer and other home office equipment when not in use as it makes your E. L. Walters air conditioning system work harder and incurs more cost.