Cut AC Costs This Summer

Air conditioning your home takes a 43 percent bite from your monthly utility bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Here’s how to reduce those costs in summer.
Improve plantings around your house.
Most heat that accumulates inside the home comes directly from the sun shining onto the roof or through the windows and heating the home directly. By planting leafy trees around your house’s exterior, you can stop the sun from reaching the interior. If the trees or shrubs shade your air conditioner, you could boost your AC’s efficiency by up to 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Clothe your windows.
Solar screens, or mesh-like window screens, can reportedly intercept up to 70 percent of solar energy before it gets into the house. Window screens are particularly effective on east- and west-facing windows, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Window films are another option. They are transparent, metalized sheets that reflect heat before it can be transmitted through glass.
Flip a switch.
Feel free to lower your air conditioner’s thermostat setting to a comfortable 75-78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home. But let that number rise to a warmer temperature at night or when you’re away from home. You can save 5 percent to 15 percent on your air-conditioning bills by raising the temperature setting on your thermostat when you’re away and don’t need cooling.
Fan it.
No need to invest in fancy fans. The key is simply to circulate air inside the house. If possible, locate fans on your house’s upper level and open windows on a lower level.
Chill in the basement.
In your eco-cooled basement, a television, couch or futon and a cold drink may be all you need. But be sure not to open basement windows when outdoor air is heavy with humidity.
Don’t bake or cook on the stove.
Skip the stove-top boiling and oven baking as much as possible. Opt to use the microwave when possible or settle for a cool salad. After cooking, turn on the kitchen exhaust, and use the bathroom exhaust fan after a hot shower.
Maintain or replace your AC.
Increasing AC efficiency is one of this list’s most important tasks. Keep the filter clean to allow for good air movement and keep the unit level so that condensation drains properly. Your best bet is to schedule an AC “check-up” appointment with a Cape May County cooling professional when you begin to doubt the efficiency of your unit. When does the time come to replace?
According to Energy Star, it may be time to call a professional contractor to help you make a change if:
• Your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old.
• Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.
• Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.
• Some rooms in your home are too hot or too cold.
• No one is home for long periods of the day and you do not have a programmable thermostat.
• Your home has humidity problems.
• Your home has excessive dust.
• Your heating or cooling system is noisy.
If you have experienced one or several of these telltale signs, it’s time to enlist the help of our County’s cooling authorities. These friendly and knowledgeable professionals can guide you through each step of the selection and installation process:
Broadley’s
609-390-3907, www.broadleys.net
Ferrell Cooling & Heating
609-463-0992, ferrellcoolingandheating@comcast.net
Bowman’s Cooling & Heating
1-800-638-4393, www.bowmansair.com