4 Ways You Can Be Energy Efficient With Your AC in Manatee County
Keeping your hot Sarasota home comfortably cool can cost less than you think. Most Florida homeowners spend more on cooling costs than they should. Just a few simple changes in the way you manage your home can make a big difference in your electric bills. Here are four ways to save on cooling costs in Manatee County:
1. Go Programmable
Running the AC full-blast when only the family cat is there to appreciate it maxes out your cooling costs. Programmable thermostats are high-tech devices that let you program your air conditioner to maintain different temperatures on different days and at different times. They’re affordable, easy to install and automatically adjust your AC for energy efficient operation.
2. Utilize Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans won’t cool your home, but in conjunction with your air conditioner, they’ll make you feel cooler, and that’s just as good. When rotating in a counterclockwise direction, they generate a wind chill effect in the immediate area; most homeowners can decrease the AC by four to six degrees without sacrificing any comfort.
3. Block Solar Heating
The Florida sunshine is relentless; it can invade your home, jack up the heat, and increase your air conditioner’s workload. Extra work for your air conditioner means higher electric bills for you, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy, curtains with white plastic backing can reduce indoor solar heating by almost 35 percent.
4. Prime Your AC for High Performance
Getting your AC tuned up for summer increases energy efficiency, decreases electric bills, and reduces potential air conditioning repairs. By some estimates, you can save up to 40 percent on energy usage with annual AC maintenance. Do your part by keeping the filters clean and by making sure that the area around your air conditioner’s outdoor unit is cleared of obstructions and debris.
Duct cleaning and sealing can also shave dollars from your electric bill by removing airflow obstructions and sealing leaks through which cooled air escapes. Additionally, it helps to keep indoor air fresh and healthy. To learn more about the benefits of duct cleaning, or to get a coupon for ten percent off this service, visit Custom Air & Plumbing, a Factory-Authorized Trane Dealer, or call us directly at (866) 819-0992 for more information.