The average American household spends well over $2,000 each year on their household energy expenses, with well over half of this amount being used to heat and cool their home. While energy expenditures are an essential part of running a household, there are a variety of ways that you can cut this expense down considerably. The following tips from Goettl are designed to help you save money on your energy bill, especially during these hot summer months.
Tip #1 – Change or Clean the Air Filter
It seems like such a small thing, but making sure the air filter in your unit is clean can reduce your air conditioners energy usage by as much as 15%. Ideally, most people should replace their air filter once a month. In between this time, you should also remove the air filter and wash it thoroughly to improve functioning and cut down on energy costs.
Tip #2 – Clear around the AC Unit
If the area immediately surrounding your air conditioning unit gets built up with grass, weeds, or bushes, it will impact the functionality of the unit drastically. It is best to keep all vegetation of this sort at least 2 feet away from the back and sides of the unit to allow for proper air flow.
Tip #3 – Have a Technician Clear the Drain and Clean the Unit
Sometimes calling a professional to perform a few basic tasks can be of huge benefit and reduce your heating and cooling costs significantly. For a very modest fee, a qualified professional can quickly clear the drain to your air conditioning unit. A clogged drain can waste as much energy as a dirty filter, so keeping it clear of debris is a must.
While the unit is disassembled, the technician can also clean the fan blades and remove any dust or buildup from the evaporator coil. Both of these tasks will help maintain the units ability to efficiently circulate the air through it. The less hard the unit has to work to do this, the more money you save on your heating and cooling bill.
Tip #4 – Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat will allow you to enter pre-set temperatures that you want to maintain throughout your home. This takes the effort and guesswork out of trying to determine a good temperature each time you want to make a change to the settings. With a programmable thermostat, you will simply program your settings to a temperature that will kick the unit on when you’re home and awake and kick it down or off when you’re away from home, saving you money. Some of the newer and more advanced models will even allow you to adjust the temperature from an app on your smart phone or other mobile devices.
Tip #5 – Seal Open Spaces
Even the tiniest cracks around windows and doors can allow cool air to escape and warm outside air to infiltrate your home, keeping your air conditioning unit running over time. Ensure that all nooks and crannies are sealed thoroughly to save a substantial amount on your energy bill each month.
Tip #6 – Consider Replacing an Older Unit
If your air conditioning unit is an older model, you might consider investing in an updated version. Even if there is nothing obviously wrong with your existing unit, modern units are designed to be more energy efficient, and this will help to drastically cut down on energy costs. Air conditioning units with an energy star rating have been proven to use up to 50% less energy than models that do not have this rating.
Tip #7 – Protect Your AC Unit from the Sun
Placing an awning over your AC unit or having a tall tree nearby to block the sun can also make your unit operate in a more efficient manner. Having shrubs or other shorter types of greenery nearby is not recommended, as branches and leaves can get into your unit and cause damage that can be costly to repair.
Tip #8 – Don’t Forget to Use Fans
We learn quite early on that heat rises, but using fans to your advantage can help lower your cooling costs by a great deal. During the hottest parts of summer, the heat in your home will naturally rise to affect the upstairs much more than the lower level of your house. Strategically placed fans can really help with this problem, as well as keep the air fresh and circulated evenly. The use of ceiling and stand alone fans will also keep the temperature in your home more stable, making your air conditioning unit kick on less often.
Goettl’s High Desert Mechanical
Goettl’s has been an industry leader in heating and cooling since 1926. While they got their start in Ohio, they now serve as professionals in the hot and humid state of Arizona. The Goettl brothers work hard to provide the best HVAC services in the state, with a primary focus on outstanding customer service.
Goettl’s HVAC company was started by three brothers. Adam, John, and Bill Goettl began their career in the heating and cooling industry in Mansfield, Ohio during and decided to move their business west during the Great Depression some years later. The company has experienced so much success that they have now become an internationally known name in the HVAC world, continuing to provide the top of the line products and services that their customers have come to expect.
Specializing in serving all the heating and cooling needs their customers depend on, Goettl offers the following products and services:
* Air Conditioners
* Duct Sealing
* Geothermal Systems
* Heat Pumps
* Furnaces and Air Handlers
* Maintenance and System Repair
* Financing options are also available
Since 1987, Adam and Ted (grandsons of the original owners) have carried on their grandfather’s legacy of providing cutting edge HVAC technology as well as the most outstanding customer service possible. The Goettl company has been involved in a number of large projects, including housing developments and golf courses throughout central and northern Arizona. They continue to serve this area with the same pride that their grandfathers had many decades ago.
