Having a reliable cooling system is a great way to stay comfortable all summer. But even with a well-functioning system, cooling costs can get expensive. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to cut cooling bills without compromising your indoor comfort.
Be Smart With Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are an effective and easy way to make your home feel cooler than it actually is. But you must make sure the blades rotate in the right (counterclockwise) direction. This motion pushes cool air down, creating a wind-chill effect. You won’t have to use the AC as much since you’ll be more comfortable. Just remember to switch the fan off when you leave a room so it doesn’t keep using energy.
Close Curtains or Blinds During the Day
Sunlight coming through the windows will heat your home up fast, causing the AC to run more. As it uses more and more energy to compensate for the heat gain, your cooling costs will skyrocket.
To keep this from happening, you should close curtains and blinds during the day. This simple step will reduce indoor temperatures, especially in rooms with south- and west-facing windows.
Install Reflective Window Film
Another way to reduce sunlight through windows and prevent rising cooling costs is to install reflective window film. They work wonderfully on windows that get a lot of direct sunlight. Plus, they’re easy to install and don’t block your view. By reflecting heat and UV rays, they keep the home cooler, particularly during peak afternoon heat. Some utility companies even offer rebates for installing energy-saving films.
Prevent Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows
When doors and windows have holes around them, hot outdoor air will sneak inside your home. The AC will run more frequently to keep the house cool, increasing cooling bills and causing lots of wear. To seal the holes, you can use weatherstripping or caulk. This is a cheap, easy fix that makes a huge difference.
If you’re not sure whether there are any holes around the doors and windows, follow this tip: Hold a lit candle or stick of incense near the edges — if the flame flickers or the smoke wavers, there’s likely a draft that needs sealing.
Make Sure the Air Filter Is Clean
A dirty air filter will cause major trouble for the cooling system. It reduces airflow, which makes the AC work in overtime mode to cool the house. It also hurts air quality by trapping dust and allergens and then pushing them back into the air.
The filter won’t be able to catch new particles, which can lead to more sneezing, coughing, and general discomfort. Dirty filters also strain the blower motor and increase energy use. A clean filter will ensure the AC can operate with optimal airflow at all times. This will save money by reducing energy consumption and preventing costly system repairs.
Make Use of Natural Ventilation in the Evening
After the sun goes down in Utah, the desert heat often subsides. This makes for a great time to use natural ventilation throughout the home by opening windows. Make sure to open the windows on opposite sides of the house to create a natural cross-breeze. The early morning and late evening are prime times to follow this tip. Using natural ventilation will reduce cooling costs by lowering indoor temperatures and decreasing AC usage.
Install a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Utah isn’t well-known for having summers with lots of humidity, but this doesn’t mean you don’t have moisture problems at home. Excess moisture in the air causes rooms to feel warmer than they actually are.
As a result, you might run the AC more to keep you cool, which increases how much you spend on keeping the home comfortable. An effective way to prevent excess moisture in the air is to use a whole-home dehumidifier. This type of device connects directly to the AC and runs every time the cooling system turns on.
Upgrade Your AC With a More Energy-Efficient Model
Another excellent way to save money on cooling costs this summer is to upgrade your AC with a more efficient model. Fortunately, there are lots of rebates and incentives that you can use to reduce the overall cost of the upgrade.
Rocky Mountain Power Wattsmart Home Program
This rebate program offers cash incentives for energy-efficient HVAC systems and equipment. To qualify, HVAC units must meet certain HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) and SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. Depending on the model and efficiency level, air source heat pump rebates tend to range from $750 to $2,000.
This program offers incentives for ductless and air-source heat pumps, and more. You’ll need to get an application from Rocky Mountain Power. Many Wattsmart Business trade allies also provide access to applications. After buying and installing the qualifying unit, you’ll submit the application with the requested paperwork.
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C)
When you make energy-saving improvements to your home, you can claim up to 30% of the cost as a tax credit under the 25C program. Equipment such as air conditioners, heat pumps, insulation, windows, and many more fall under this category.
Most improvements have an annual ceiling of $1,200; however, this varies. Keep all of your receipts and attach IRS Form 5695 with your tax return to get the credit.
Federal Tax Credits
Renewable energy systems, smart thermostats, and other products may be eligible for additional government incentives beyond the 25C credit. These credits promote energy savings in the long run and reduce your tax burden dollar for dollar. For up-to-date information on compatible devices and how to file for these credits, visit www.energystar.gov or the IRS website. To make filing a breeze, save all of the installer’s paperwork.
Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing is a leading provider of energy-efficient cooling systems in American Fork. We offer expert installation support, repairs, and tune-ups for cooling systems of all types.
Start saving money this summer with a new, energy-efficient AC. Call Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing now to schedule a professional AC installation in American Fork.
