Receiving your first summer energy bill in Henderson, KY can come as a shock. When your air conditioner cranks on for the first time each year, your unit has to work overtime to get itself up and running, which can be an even more daunting task for your unit if it has not been tuned up in a while. Here are a few common reasons your energy bills are high.
Too Much Direct Sunlight
There are ways to circulate air and keep your home cool during hot summer days other than constantly running your air conditioner. Draw the blinds to reduce the amount of hot sun shining into your home, and make use of ceiling fans to circulate the cool air.
Inefficient Thermostat Settings
Setting your thermostat at a constant temperature all day and night will cause your system to work harder than it needs to. The nighttime is the perfect time to save money on your energy bill. The air outside begins to cool as the sun goes down, allowing you to turn your thermostat up.
Make sure to turn your thermostat up when you leave home each day. There is no point in running your air conditioner if no one is home. For even more efficiency, invest in a smart thermostat that you can program for your daily routine.
Employ these simple tips:
- Turn off your unit 30 minutes before leaving the house each day.
- Turn on your unit 30 minutes before arriving home each day.
- Increase your home’s temperature an hour before you head to bed.
- Reduce the temperature 30 minutes before waking up each morning.
HVAC Unit Maintenance
If your HVAC unit hasn’t been serviced in a while, it may be affecting your monthly energy bills. If the refrigerant in your unit is running low or your air ducts are clogged with dirt and grime, your system has to work harder than normal to effectively cool your home. Scheduling annual HVAC maintenance can prolong the life of your unit and get it running in top shape for summer.
For more information about scheduling preventive maintenance for your HVAC system, contact OnTIME Service today. We’re happy to make sure your unit is running efficiently.