9 Ways to Chill AC Bills
Lowering Your Air Conditioning Costs
Though the summer weather provides the perfect opportunity to hang out by the pool, the heat is not desired in your home. You now face the dilemma of wanting to use your air conditioning to cool your home while not increasing your electricity bill too much. There are several tactics for optimizing air conditioning Gainesville residents use to keep their utility bill low.
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Install Solar Screens
Using solar screens or window films will prevent heat from entering your home and raising your house’s temperature. Solar screens are mesh-like screens that are capable of absorbing up to 70% of solar energy. Window screens are transparent sheets that attempt to reflect heat and solar energy attempting to enter your house. Unlike solar screens, windows must stay closed in order for window films to be effective.
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Use Fans
One of the most important ways to keep your house cool, is air flow. Stagnant air is more difficult to cool down and will force you to try to continually increase your air conditioning. Position fans strategically and ensure accompanying windows are closed. Then open the windows that are far away on your house’s windward side.
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Keep Your AC in Good Shape
In order to effectively lower your air conditioning bill, efficiency is a must. In order to attain this, you will need to maintain your A/C unit. Change the filter, if necessary, so that air can flow naturally and condensation will be able to drain. LIBERTYAIR has AC repair Gainesville experts who can replace your system and provide you with one that is more efficient.
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Increase Temperature When Not in Use
There is no harm in choosing a temperature that your feel most comfortable in. However, when you are asleep or away from home all day, you can set your thermostat to a higher temperature. This prevents unnecessary energy to be consumed without anyone to experience it.
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Set Fan on Low
Though may be tempted to set your air conditioning fan on high to quickly lower temperatures, you must refrain if it is humid. The slower your fans run, the more moisture they are able to absorb. However, if your home is dry, then you are able to put it on high. Therefore, you should let your fan speed be determined by the amount of humidity.
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Refrain From Cooking on the Stove
When you cook on a stove or in an oven, you will increase the temperature in your home and make your Gainesville heating and air equipment work harder. Instead, use the microwave or make a sandwich. If you must cook with major appliances, use them in the evening when your home will already be naturally cooler.
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Plant Leafy Trees
Large trees that provide ample shade block solar energy from heating up your roof or passing through windows. Trees and shrubs are also useful if you plant them near your A/C unit because the shade they provide will allow it to run more efficiently. Just make sure you leave enough room for proper ventilation or you will require air conditioning repairs.
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Use Water
If all else fails and you can not stay cool, utilize water. Take a refreshing shower or put a cold washcloth on the back of your neck. Once you are able to actively lower your body temperature, you will not be as affected by your surroundings. Eventually, your body will naturally grow accustomed to the heat if given time.
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Spend Time in Your Basement
Unlike northern homes, not all houses in Florida have basements. However, if yours does, it is beneficial to spend time in it. Heat rises which will cause the majority of the heat in your home will rise to the higher floors. Basements tend to be cooler, darker and drier so grab a cold drink and watch a movie in your basement.
A/C Repair Service in Gainesville, FL
When you utilize these tips to lower your utility bill, you will also be increasing the lifespan of your air conditioning unit. The more efficient it is, the less it has to work and the longer it will last. This also means you will not be required to call Gainesville AC repair experts as frequently. If you want to a more effective air conditioning unit to save you money, call LIBERTYAIR today.