It looks like we’re going to be continuing to spend more time than usual at home this summer, which means two things: first, that your air conditioner will be working overtime, and second, that your energy bills will remind you of that fact.

Want to keep those cooling bills as low as possible in the coming months? Try these seven tips:

Your Summer Energy Savings Checklist:

1. Service your equipment – Without routine maintenance, your air conditioner will lose an average of about five percent efficiency each year. Of course efficiency improvements aren’t the only benefit of servicing your equipment: you’ll also get more reliable system operation, avoid costly cooling repairs, and extend the life of your A/C.
2. Upgrade your thermostat – If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider an upgrade. Programmable thermostats could help you save 10 percent on heating and cooling costs – often enough to offset the cost of the unit in a single year. Smart thermostats give you even more control over your home HVAC system. If you have a programmable thermostat but don’t know how to use it, now’s the time to crack open that owner’s manual.
3. Use your ceiling fan – Running a ceiling fan in tandem with your home cooling system will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about four degrees without affecting your comfort; each degree you raise temperatures in your home will save you about one percent on your bill over an eight-hour period.
4. Clean/change HVAC filters regularly – A clogged air filter will reduce air flow from your home heating or cooling system. That will not only raise your energy bills – it will also make your home less comfortable and cause your system to overwork, leading to poorer performance and a possible breakup down the road.
5. Mind your window coverings – Up to 30 percent of the unwanted heat in your home comes through the windows, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to your window treatments and how you use them. Close blinds to reduce the greenhouse effect, and consider installing window treatments that reflect light away from your space. Check out this link from the U.S. Department of Energy for more tips on efficiency-promoting window treatments.
6. Invest in insulation –  Most people associate insulation with cold weather, but proper insulation also helps keep cool air in and hot outdoor air out of your home during the summer. For tips on where, how, and how much to insulate your home, check out this article from the Department of Energy.
7. Consider having your ducts sealed – As much as 15 percent of the air you paid to cool could be escaping through leaks in your ductwork before it ever reaches your living space. Consider investing in professional duct sealing about once every five years.
8. Use exhaust fans – Use the bathroom fan when taking a shower or bath and a range hood when cooking – this helps remove heat and humidity from your home.
9. Minimize your use of heat-producing appliances – The last thing you want to do on a 100-degree day is turn on a 400-degree oven, giving your air conditioner one more cooling load obstacle to overcome. Grill outside when you can.
10. Replace old cooling equipment – Upgrading to a high-efficiency A/C unit could save you up 30 percent on energy bills compared to older cooling systems. If your cooling system is older than 10 years and has been serviced two or more times in recent years, it’s time to shop for a replacement.

Routine cooling maintenance will keep your home more comfortable and your bills as low as possible – two important things as we shelter-in-place this spring and summer. Schedule your A/C maintenance with Burt’s Reliable today.

If the time has come for a cooling system upgrade, we can help you there, too, with expert installation of top quality central air conditioners and mini-split systems. Contact us for a FREE, no-obligation estimate on A/C installations in eastern Long Island.

Please note: at Burt’s Reliable, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep you and our crews safe and your home comfort systems working during this challenging time.