Save On Your Energy Bill This Season And Next: 8 Tips
Social distancing is keeping us home more than usual this spring, and as we head toward warmer days here in northern New Jersey, it’s uncertain how long that’s going to continue.
Soon enough, we’re going to be running our home cooling system throughout the day to keep us comfortable as we shelter in place – and when we do, we’re going to want to keep our home energy bills as low as possible. As we speed toward Memorial Day, here are eight simple tips can help keep your home cool for less money in the coming weeks and months.
8 Ways To Save Energy And Money:
- Invest in a programmable thermostat – Today’s easy to use, affordable thermostats automatically manage temperatures when your family isn’t home, which can save you up to $100 or more in energy costs every year.
- Use a ceiling fan – A ceiling fan can make a room feel cooler just by moving air, so when you use it together with air conditioning, you can set your thermostat higher than you normally would. The average ceiling fan uses about as much energy as a light bulb, so you can run one for just pennies a day. Just make sure to adjust your fan rotation so it turns counter-clockwise, drawing heavier cool air up into the room (see your owner’s manual for instructions).
- Shade your air conditioner – A central air conditioning unit operating in the shade uses up to 10 percent less electricity than the same unit operating in the sun, according to studies. Just be sure not to block its airflow (see Tip #6 below).
- Clean or change your filter regularly – This simple step will increase your air conditioner’s efficiency by as much as 10-15 percent AND increase the lifespan of your cooling system. Check your filter at least once each summer – more during years with high-volume use.
- Consider sealing your ducts – As much as 20 percent of the air you paid to cool can escape unseen through ductwork joints, elbows, and connections – especially in attics, basements, or crawl spaces. A professional duct cleaning will greatly minimize or even eliminate that cool air loss.
- Clean up around your air conditioner – Air conditioner condenser coils can become dirty and blocked, which makes your A/C unit work harder to perform the same job. Clean the area around the condenser coil, removing debris and trimming foliage back at least 2 feet. If you want a more thorough cleaning, sign up for an annual tune-up (see #7 below).
- Maintain your air conditioner – It’s easy to take your air conditioner for granted… until it stops working on the hottest day of the year. Regular maintenance will not only help spot potential problems, but will also increase the life and energy efficiency of your unit. An annual tune-up from Bolkema Fuel will help keep your central air conditioner running like clockwork, with complete diagnostic services that can keep minor issues from becoming expensive problems.
- Consider a sensible, high-efficiency upgrade – A new, high-efficiency air conditioner – properly installed by a professional – can save you 30 percent or more on your monthly energy bills – enough to offset the cost of a new A/C in just a few years, especially when you consider any manufacturer’s rebates and incentives that might apply.
At Bolkema Fuel, we do the highest quality work and offer the MOST efficient cooling system installations in northern New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about our money-saving, peace-of-mind services.
Please note: At Bolkema Fuel, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our Covid-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crews safe and your home comfort equipment working at its best during this challenging time.