Lower Energy Bills

10 Ways to Lower Energy Bills this summer in the Coachella Valley

It’s only the beginning of May and we’ve already had some record-breaking heat here in the Coachella Valley. If this is any indication of the months to come, our air conditioners are going to be working really hard this summer. But record-breaking heat doesn’t have to mean record-breaking utility bills. If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy bills this summer, take advantage of some of the tips we’ve listed below!

10 ways to lower your energy bills

1. Get your annual tune-up. If you want your air conditioner to run as efficiently as possible, a HVAC tune-up should be on the top of your priority list. During your tune-up, we’ll identify and fix any problems that affect how much energy your system consumes so that it runs efficiently all summer long.
2. Stay on top of air filter changes. A dirty filter can be a huge drain on your air conditioner’s energy consumption. The more dirt that builds up on your filter, the harder your air conditioner has to work to push air through it. Check the condition of your air filter every month and change the filter whenever necessary.
3. Keep your windows and doors shut tight. Whenever your air conditioner is running, make sure that all of the doors and windows in your home are tightly shut. If they aren’t, cool air will escape and your air conditioner will have to consume more energy to compensate.
4. Close window shades during the day. The sun can add a surprising amount of heat to your home. By closing your window coverings during the day, you can help block out the sun’s heat and ease the load on your air conditioner.
5. Use your room fans. Although fans don’t reduce the actual temperature in a room, they make it feel cooler. By using your ceiling fans, you can lower your thermostat by about four degrees without feeling a difference in comfort.
6. Clear the area around your outdoor unit. If plants or debris are blocking your air conditioner’s outdoor unit, it can reduce your unit’s airflow and increase its energy consumption. Make sure the area around your outdoor unit is kept clear.
7. Use a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you’ll never have to worry about forgetting to change your home’s temperature settings. By using the highest temperatures you’re comfortable with and raising your thermostat settings during the times of day that you’re sleeping or away from your home, your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard and you’ll see a difference in your energy bills.
8. Improve insulation and seal air leaks. Cold air is only useful if it stays inside your home. By adding insulation and sealing any of your home’s air leaks, you can significantly cut down on your energy bills because your air conditioner won’t have to work nearly as hard to cool your home.
9. Make any necessary ductwork modifications. If your ductwork has design problems or has developed air leaks, your energy bills will almost certainly reflect it. Have your ducts inspected and sealed in order to improve the efficiency of your cooling system.
10. Upgrade to a higher-efficiency cooling system. Even if you follow all of the tips above, you’re still likely to have high energy bills if your air conditioner is old and inefficient. Upgrading to a heat pump or air conditioner with a high SEER rating can significantly lower your energy bills both now and for years to come.

If you have any questions about how to lower your energy bills, or if you’d like a cooling system serviced or installed in your home, contact Hydes, your Indio, CA, air conditioner installation and repair company.