Do you feel like the monthly costs of your HVAC system exceed what you spent on the system in the first place?? You aren’t alone! Home and business owners throughout Polk County feel the burden of their air conditioning costs every summer.
Why are HVAC costs so high in Florida?
There are many factors that go into the price of monthly AC costs. Perhaps the biggest contributing factor though is the year-round extreme heat. Because your unit has to operate on a round-the-clock basis, your wallet feels the heat…literally! Both energy costs and maintenance costs can feel like a huge burden…but they don’t have to!
You can save money on your AC-related expenses!
Saving money on your HVAC costs is possible. When you’re worried about expenses and trying to consolidate costs, start by:
Optimizing Your Temperature Settings
Set your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature during the summer (around 78-80°F or 25-27°C) and a lower temperature during the winter (around 68-70°F or 20-21°C). Each degree of adjustment can result in significant energy savings. Investing in a programmable, or “smart” thermostat gives you the ability to automatically adjust the temperature of your space based on occupancy and working hours. This prevents the AC from running unnecessarily when no one is home, or when you’ll be away for a few days. The best part? These thermostats are programmable via your phone, so you always have control over your unit.
Improving The Insulation and Sealing
Ensure that your home is well-insulated to prevent hot or cold air from escaping, depending on the season. Proper insulation helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature and reduces the workload on your AC system.
Additionally, you should seal any gaps, cracks, or leaks in windows, doors, and walls to prevent drafts and the entry of outdoor air, which can affect indoor temperatures and force the AC to work harder.
Keeping Up with Regular Maintenance and Upgrades
Stay on top of regular maintenance for your AC system! Clean or replace air filters, check for refrigerant leaks, and ensure that all components are functioning efficiently. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently and consumes less energy.
Consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient AC unit if your current one is outdated. Look for models with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating, as they consume less electricity to provide the same cooling capacity.
Does routine maintenance feel like more than you can handle? Hiring out your maintenance is a great option! Many local companies (ours included!) provide these services on a regular basis, so you can feel good about taking care of your HVAC system.
Want to save even more? We have some additional HVAC maintenance tips!
Boost your savings even more by:
- Encouraging everyone in your home to use natural ventilation when weather permits, such as opening windows and using fans to circulate air. We know cooler temps don’t happen often here in Central Florida, but when they do, be ready to take advantage of them!
- Implementing an energy-saving policy in your home. Remind your children (and spouse!) to turn off lights, computers, and other electronic devices when not in use.
- Using shading devices like blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight. These reduce the need for additional cooling and can help your home maintain its cooler temperature.
- Using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as they generate less heat, reducing the overall cooling load.
By implementing all of the strategies mentioned above, you can save money on your home’s monthly AC bill while creating a more comfortable and sustainable environment for you and your family.
The team at Ridge Energy Savers Inc. is committed to providing affordable and high-quality HVAC services for homeowners in and around Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties. We provide routine maintenance packages, emergency AC repair, regular AC inspections, and more.
Call us to schedule your appointment and find out how we take the work out of keeping up with your AC maintenance while saving YOU money in the process. We’re ready to come to your rescue!
