5 Tips For Keeping Your Energy Bills Lower While Using The Air Conditioner

May 2016

April 2016 marked the hottest April on record in the Seattle area. With spring temperatures like that, what should we expect for summer? Are you ready for a summer possibly even hotter than in 2015? Or more realistically, is your pocketbook ready?We used to head to the movie theaters or grocery stores for guaranteed A/C. But more and more people are installing air conditioners into their homes. Not sure if summers in this area are getting hotter or just that people are more willing to pay for comfort at home, but regardless, it is an expense that needs to be managed. Cranking the A/C feels good in the moment, but the bills that follow can be a shock to your system. So, here are 5 tips for keeping your energy bills lower while using the air conditioner. The bottom line is, the harder your air conditioner works, the higher your bills.

1. Don't turn your A/C off when you're not home, just down. In high heat, your air conditioner works really hard just to keep up. Keeping the temperature range within 10 degrees is best for your system as well as for optimal comfort. If you let your house get too hot, it will take a lot longer for the temperature to get down to a comfortable temperature.
2. Change the filter. When air can't pass through your filter freely, it causes your air conditioner to work harder while taking longer to cool your house. Dust and dirt can accumulate which can directly affect the efficiency of your equipment. Cleaning or changing your filter should be done once every three months to keep everything running at it's optimal efficiency. You can buy filters online at discountfilterstore.com.
3. Keep interior doors open. Shutting too many interior doors causes A/C systems to go out of balance, meaning there's less airflow in the entire house. If you normally keep doors closed, try keeping slightly ajar instead.

1. Extend the life of your AC system by keeping blinds or shades down during the day, so that your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard. Consider running the AC in conjunction with floor or ceiling fans to circulate cooled air more effectively.
2. Schedule a yearly maintenance. An HVAC unit is just like a car; it needs regular inspection and maintenance to ensure it operates at peak performance. You will save in the long run by keeping equipment in tip-top shape and avoid expensive repair bills from a breakdown. To schedule an air conditioner maintenance, contact Genesee Energy via email hello@geneseeheat.com or phone 206-722-1545. You might also check out our yearly maintenance agreements.

Stay cool Seattle!