Your Air Conditioner Can Help Cut Your Electric Bill

Air conditioners and heaters account for about 40 percent of the average
family’s utility bills. In Southlake, Flower Mound, Colleyville and Grapevine, most of those costs are for cooling your home.

That means your air conditioning system can cost a lot or save a lot on your electric bill. Here are some ways it can help you save money.

Running and Maintaining Air Conditioning Equipment

• If using paper filters, replace them every month.
• Have a professional service your system at the beginning of each cooling season to find small problems before they become big ones.
• Install a programmable thermostat to vary the temperature. Set it at 78 degrees when you're home. Each degree below 78 increases energy consumption by about eight percent, which pumps up your electric bill.
• If you'll be gone for more than a few hours, set the temperature at 85 degrees.
• Any new equipment you buy should have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) of 14 or higher. High efficiency equipment is the best way to reduce your electric bill.
• If possible, put your air conditioning compressor (the outside unit) in a shady spot and give it room to dispose of the heated air it removes from your house. Don't crowd it with shrubs. 

For Still Lower Electric Bills, Give Your Air Conditioner a Break

• Close drapes and install awnings or solar screens on the windows on the sunny sides of your house.
• Seal up air leaks around windows, electrical outlets and dryer vents. Replace worn weather stripping on bottoms of doors.
• Use ceiling fans when you’re in a room, but not when no one is there.
• Cook outdoors more and use microwave ovens and crock pots inside. Extra heat inside makes your air conditioner work harder, which makes your electric bill shoot up.
• Use the “air dry” setting on your dishwasher.
• Make sure your attic is properly ventilated and insulated; 30 percent of the heat in your house is absorbed through the roof.
• Close off rooms you aren't using, and the cooling ducts to them.
• Make sure your air conditioning vents and air returns are not obstructed by furniture or draperies.
• Reduce heat by turning off lights when not in use. You’ll save electricity by not having the light on and by running your air conditioner less.
• Likewise, computers and office equipment generate heat. Turn them off when not in use.

The home energy management professionals at Berkeys are available anytime to help you cut your gas usage and trim your electric bill. Call us today at 817-481-5869. You also can request more information or an appointment online right now.