The sound of your Air Conditioner running is a lot like the sound of your bank account drying up. Air Conditioning and Heating your home takes approximately a 40 percent bite from your monthly utility bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But there are some things you can do to reduce the impact. Here's how to cut those costs in the hot Texas summer.
1. Plant More Trees - Most heat that accumulates inside a house comes directly from the sun shining onto the roof or through windows, and heating the house directly. Planting leafy trees around the building's exterior will stop the sun from reaching inside your home. If the trees or shrubs shade your air conditioner, you could boost your AC's efficiency by up to 10 percent,
2. Install Solar Screens or UV Films - intercept up to 70 percent of solar energy before it gets into the house. Window films are another option. They are transparent, metalized sheets that reflect heat before it can be transmitted through glass. However, windows must be shut for window films to work, while solar screens do double-duty, keeping sun and insects out even with windows open.
3. Maintain or Replace your Air Conditioner - AC efficiency is mostly a function of the technology. Keep the filter clean to allow for good air movement and keep the unit level so the condensation drains properly. If you replace your older room air conditioner with a newer unit, you could cut your energy costs in half, according to the Department of Energy. Look for a high-energy-efficiency ratio, or EER, or an Energy Star-qualified unit. Higher EER ratings mean a more efficient air conditioner. Energy Star refers to a system adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy to identify energy-efficient products. Call AC Express today for a free estimate!
