There’s Still Time to Save on Summer Cooling Costs

While the cost to cool a home in summer is usually lower than the long and costly battle to keep it warm in winter, it can be a significant expense—especially at a time when you’d probably rather be spending any extra dollars on family vacations, festivals, and fun with friends. The experts at Gross Heating & Air Conditioning know that saving money is important for everyone—and we’re happy to share easy tips for cooling down those hot summer energy bills.

1. Have your AC tuned up. Regular maintenance is a simple step that can save energy and the money you spend on it. By making sure your air conditioner is running at its best, you can also save yourself the hassle of poor or no cooling service, as well as the cost of an unexpected repair.
2. Change your air filters. Replacing a filter before airflow becomes bogged down with dirt helps your AC run five to 15 percent more efficiently, and that means more savings and cleaner air for you and your family.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. Set times and temperatures around your schedule so you can save energy and still come home to “just-right” comfort.
4. Cover your windows. Closing drapes, shades, or blinds decreases heat gain and reduces the burden on your cooling system, but it will be dark. If you want sunlight without the heat, consider window film, which can reduce solar warming by up to 70 percent, while reducing UV exposure that can fade interiors.
5. Open windows wisely. Take advantage of cooler evenings and let fresh air in at night, as long as it’s not too humid. Just remember to close them again in the morning.
6. Turn up the temp when you’re away. It’s a myth that making your AC “catch up” will strain your system. By setting the thermostat eight to 10 degrees higher for the eight or more hours you’re at work, you can safely save up to 10 percent of your annual cooling costs.
7. Use ceiling fans. Even though ceiling fans do not cool the air, the “breeze” has the same cooling effect as turning your AC down four degrees—so set your thermostat higher, save money, and still be comfortable.
8. Plant something cool! Using trees and shrubs to shade your home can keep rooms cooler. Providing some cover for your air conditioner also helps it run at 10 percent higher efficiency, and that can mean up to 50 percent saving on energy bills—just make sure you don’t obstruct airflow.
9. Be heat-smart. Don’t make your home hotter than it needs to be in the summer—go outside and grill instead of turning on the oven, do laundry in the evening, and turn off lights and electronics that generate heat.

Invest in Your Comfort

There are so many ways to save, but don’t cut corners when it comes to your comfort. Investing in quality HVAC products—like Carrier® furnaces or AC units from Gross Heating—is a smart move that offers great returns that save money, help the environment, and make your home or business a better place to be. If you want to know about other energy-efficient options, like heat pumps or zoning, just talk to our techs!