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How to Reduce Your Home Cooling Costs.

If you’re tired of cringing at the very sight of your electricity bill, even before you open it, it’s time to consider various ways to lower your costs.  Especially now in the middle of the summer cooling season.

Here are several fresh and effective energy saving ideas just to get you started:

1. Unplug any appliances and electronics (like your TV or computer) not currently in use. Even if they’re turned off, they’re still drawing power.

2. Make the switch to compact fluorescent (CFL) or LED lights, even just one room at a time. Both types stay cool to the touch, last much longer than incandescent bulbs, and deliver the same or greater amounts of light for considerably less electrical expense.

3. Keep blinds, shades, and curtains closed while the sun is shining, especially over those windows that receive direct sunlight.

4. Install programmable thermostats in your existing and perhaps even additional zones. That way, you can adequately cool only those parts of your home you occupy and not waste money in otherwise empty rooms or areas.

5. Check your water heater to make sure the temperature setting is no higher than 120 degrees. Not only will that on simple move bring about reduced energy expense, it will help prevent accidental scalding.

6. Don’t cook meals during the hottest times of day if at all possible. Prepare them in advance during a cooler time of day so you can simply heat them up come meal time.

7. Have your windows, doors, and ductwork inspected to see if conditioned air is escaping outdoors or in your attic and, as a result, driving up your energy costs.

Here’s an absolute home run of an energy saving idea:  has it been a year or longer since your AC system was last professionally cleaned and inspected?  If so, contact Messmer Mechanical to schedule our preventative maintenance service.  A dirty AC system and filter causes your system to work harder to cool your home to comfortable levels.  So by having it thoroughly cleaned, not only will you save money on your electricity bill, your system will run better, last longer, and incur fewer repair issues.  Any way you look at it, you win.