Discover 7 practical tips to lower your utility bills this summer with Princeton Air.
Learn how to maintain your AC, use smart thermostats, enhance insulation, and more.
Spring and its moderate temperatures provide relief from the high heating bills, but the impending AC use of summer also means high cooling bills are right on our doorstep - and this is especially true if you do not have an energy efficient AC unit.
At Princeton Air, we understand the importance of keeping your home comfortable without breaking the bank. With over 50 years of experience serving Central New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, we've gathered some practical tips on how to lower your electric bills while staying cool this summer.
1. Maintain Your Air Conditioning System
Your air conditioner is your best friend during the hot summer months, but it can also be your biggest energy consumer. If you want to ensure you are spending the minimum on cooling costs during the summer, you will need to maintain your AC year round. Here’s how to keep it running efficiently:
Schedule Maintenance
- Regular AC maintenance can significantly improve the efficiency of your unit. A professional tune-up at the beginning and end of the cooling season ensures that all parts are clean and functioning correctly, reducing the risk of breakdowns and extending the life of your system.
- Sign up for a Club Membership: Instead of having to remember to schedule your AC maintenance a couple times each year, leave it to us by signing up for a Club Membership and save in more ways than one:
- Priority Service: Members receive front-of-the-line service, especially valuable during peak times.
- Discounts on Repairs: Members get a 15% discount on repairs, with Platinum Plan members qualifying for free repairs.
- Reduced Diagnostic Fees: Members pay 30% less for diagnostic visits.
- Lifetime Parts Warranty: Coverage for any parts installed.
- Loyalty Credits: Annual $50 credits towards new equipment.
Change Air Filters
- Clogged filters force your system to work harder, increasing energy consumption. Check your filters every 30 days and replace them as specified by the manufacturer
2. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat, like the Nest Elite Pro, can lead to considerable energy savings. Set your thermostat to higher temperatures when you’re away and cooler settings when you're home, and your smart thermostat will learn your schedule and adjust temperatures automatically, optimizing energy use.
3. Enhance Home Insulation and Air Sealing
Good insulation and a thorough air sealing of your home are crucial for maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. Proper insulation reduces the strain on your HVAC system by preventing heat from beating through the top of your home and negating the cool air of your AC. Air holes and gaps throughout your home allow cool air to freely escape, further decreasing the effectiveness of your AC. Consider upgrading your insulation, especially in the attic and walls, to improve energy efficiency.
4. Utilize Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to boost the effectiveness (and efficiency) of your cooling system. By circulating the existing air, rooms feel cooler, which allows you to raise the thermostat by a few degrees without sacrificing comfort. Just remember - turn off fans when you leave a room to save energy.
5. Block Out the Sun
Solar heat gain can significantly increase indoor temperatures, forcing your AC to work harder. Use blinds, shades, or curtains during leak sunlight hours to block out the sun's radiant heat.
6. Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances and Renewable Energy
When it comes to energy efficiency heating and cooling options, heat pumps and ductless mini splits are meeting both needs for many homeowners in Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Bucks counties. Heat pumps can serve as a replacement for both a traditional furnace and an air conditioner, and the ductless versions can be installed in any room that needs the extra heating and cooling.
Consider investing in renewable energy sources such as solar panels or geothermal heat pumps. These systems can significantly reduce your reliance on conventional energy sources and lower your utility bills in the long run.
7. Clean and Cook Smart
Cooking indoors can raise your home's temperature, making your AC work harder. Try to cook in the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. And when it comes to cleaning, the hot water required for cleaning and bathing is a significant energy expense. Lower your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F and insulate the heater and hot water pipes to reduce heat loss. And when it comes time for water heater replacement, consider installing a heat pump water heater, which heats water on demand and can be more energy-efficient than traditional electric resistance models.
Stay Cool, Pay Less, with Princeton Air
At Princeton Air, we’re dedicated to helping our customers achieve optimal home comfort and energy efficiency. If you aren’t sure where to get started with your home efficiency upgrades, an energy consultation can identify areas where your home is losing energy and suggest improvements. Princeton Air offers comprehensive energy consultations to help you find the best solutions for your home. Our experts will assess your home’s energy use and recommend cost-effective upgrades.
JS Needham-Master HVACR Lic. # 3980 | M Burt-Plumbing Lic. # 8389 | NJHIC # 13VH00255200 | PAHIC # PA001066
