Summer in Indiana has arrived, and this week it’s packing a punch with temperatures in the 90s and heat index values between 100–110 degrees. The heat doesn’t just make you sweat the second you step outside; it also has you sweating your monthly utility bill. When your air conditioner is running nonstop to keep your home comfortable, costs climb quickly. With a few smart habits and the right professional support, there are ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Here are three tips to help keep your cooling costs under control this summer.
Schedule an AC Tune-Up
While this week brings the warmest temperatures we’ve had all year in the Hoosier State, there is more where that came from in July, August, and September. This ain’t the Rocky Mountains, after all. Scheduling an AC tune-up is the most impactful thing you can do for your energy bill.
An air conditioner that skips annual maintenance has to work harder to cool your home, and that extra strain shows up directly in your utility costs. Skipping maintenance can result in lower energy efficiency every year, and since cooling and heating take priority in the extreme summer and winter months, that adds up fast.
A professional AC tune-up includes cleaning condenser coils, inspecting all components for wear and tear, and making sure your system is operating at peak efficiency. Catching small issues early also means you're less likely to face a costly breakdown in the middle of summer when you need your AC most.
The best time to schedule maintenance is in the spring, but if you haven’t already, it's never too late to get your unit checked out. On top of that, you can clean or replace air conditioner filters monthly or as recommended by your HVAC contractor.
Wise Up With Your Thermostat
Your thermostat settings have a bigger impact on your bill than you realize. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat from 75 to 78°F when you're home and raising it 7°F when you're away or sleeping. For every degree you raise the thermostat above 72 degrees in the summer, you can save around 3% on cooling costs. Additionally, if you’ve got ceiling fans around the house, use them! Running a ceiling fan allows you to raise your thermostat up to 4°F without losing comfort.
If you haven't already, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat. These devices learn your schedule and preferences over time, automatically adjusting temperatures so you're not cooling an empty house. You’ll see noticeable savings within the first billing cycle after making the switch, and the installation is easy for a qualified technician.
Don't Let Heat In Or Cold Air Out
Your AC can only do so much if your home is working against it. Simple steps like closing blinds and curtains on east-facing windows in the morning and on south- and west-facing windows during peak afternoon hours can significantly reduce utility costs. Go with blackout curtains if you’ve got them.
Equally important is making sure your home is sealed. Check weatherstripping around doors and windows, and if you have an older home, consider having your ductwork inspected. Leaky ducts can cause your system to lose a significant portion of cooled air before it ever reaches the living room, bedroom, dining room, and kitchen.
Call Hope Plumbing, Heating and Cooling
If it's been a year or more since your last AC tune-up, or if your cooling costs have been creeping up, now is the time to act. Hope Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has been keeping Indianapolis and surrounding area homeowners comfortable since 2007. Their team of 250 trusted Hoosiers brings 5-star service to every job, arriving on time and leaving your home better than they found it.
Their AC maintenance service covers a thorough inspection and professional cleaning of your entire system. And if your system needs repairs, their membership plan gets you priority service, free estimates, discounts on repairs, and more.
Book your AC maintenance appointment here with Hope Plumbing, Heating and Cooling today, or give them a call at (317) 807-6330.