Tips to help lower air-conditioning bills - greenvilleonline.com
With high temperatures come high air-condition bills, and with the first official day of summer right around the corner, the money in your wallet may soon be melting away.
But it doesn't have to, according to John Lively, general manager of General Air Conditioning Service Corp., on Augusta Road in Greenville, who says there are multiple ways to save money and keep your AC unit working properly all summer.
"I think a big mistake homeowners make is fluctuating the temperature inside their home," said Lively. "Set your thermostat to one temperature and leave it."
If you're heading out on vacation for more than a few days, Lively says that it's OK to change your temperature from, say, 72 degrees to 78 to 80 degrees, but understand it will take some time for your home to cool back off ultimately, costing you money.
Here are five quick tips for keeping your unit working efficiently per Lively's blog:
■ One of the most simple air conditioner tips is to change your air conditioner filter at least four times a year, ideally every 30 days, to ensure that your family is breathing cleaner air and your HVAC system is not being overworked, thus potentially saving energy and money.
■ Run your ceiling fans to stay cooler in the summertime. Check your fans to ensure they are going in the correct direction.
■ Keep heat out of your home by closing blinds, shades and draperies that cover windows facing the sun.
■ Keep your outdoor air conditioning unit cooler by planting trees or shrubs that provide shade but still allow air to flow around unit.
■ The best defense against air conditioner problems is to have a service agreement in place and make sure your system is maintained year-round, especially right before the heavy heat of summer sets in.
