Summer brings with it the biggest drain on energy, and thus a larger energy bill. No wonder you are looking for energy saving tips. Thankfully, these can be easily done and can easily reduce your cost by 15% or more.

Not only will these help reduce your energy cost in the immediate, but they will also save you money in repairs and replacement. Here are seven easy ways to save money, even during the summer months.

Energy Saving Tip #1 Change Your Air Filters

The first and easiest thing to do is to check and change your air filters, also known as furnace filters. These work to filter contaminants out of the air before flowing into your furnace. When these clog air cannot flow as effectively through the system. This results in the system running more often and for longer periods of time.

Check your filters every 30 days, even if you have “long life” filters. One of the factors that will influence how long your filters will last is your air quality, including your cleaning habits. The better you keep your home free of dust and pet dander, the longer your filter will last.

Clear the Area Around Your Condenser Unit

Next is a little yard work to help keep the air flowing around the condenser coil. Specifically, you want to keep any grass or branches at least two feet away from the unit. This will help reduce anything getting sucked in while the fan is running.

While you are there, give your unit a bath. You do not need to do any major scrubbing, just hose it off with low pressure. This will free the coil of any dirt that may block air from flowing through the system.

Clean Bathroom & Kitchen Ventilation Fan

One commonly overlooked area is the bathroom and kitchen, specifically the ventilation fans. These will easily get clogged with dust and hair, or grease in the kitchen. This prevents the air from flowing properly.

The problem with these ventilation fans being clogged is they prevent venting of hot air as well as humidity. This not only causes the air conditioner to work harder but also makes the environment more prone to mold and mildew formation.

Check your kitchen ventilation fan every 60 days or so. Check your bathroom ventilation fan every 30 days when you check your furnace filters.

Get a Smart Thermostat

Your thermostat is critical to your energy bill in a number of ways. The most obvious is, of course, the accurate reading of the air temperature and sending the signal to the HVAC system to turn on and off.

A smart thermostat will also allow you to set your temperature to optimize your comfort while you are home. It will also reduce energy expended while you are not home.

In addition, a smart thermostat will allow you to adjust your temperature remotely. If you are running ahead of schedule or behind, you can bring your temperature to your desired range.

Adjust the Temperature of Your Home

Did you know the temperature you keep your home can make a big impact on your energy bill? The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 78 degrees.

However, when you are away, consider increasing your household temperature by seven to ten degrees. Estimates suggest your energy savings could be as much as ten percent.

If you can stand a slightly warmer environment, aim to keep your home roughly 10-15 degrees cooler than the outdoor air temperature, no cooler than the recommended 78 degrees. This is especially helpful when it is extremely hot outside, upward of 95 degrees.

Clean Your Dehumidifier

Most people in Florida will not only have an air conditioner but will also have a dehumidifier. This can be a huge energy drain when not maintained properly. Just like an air conditioner, these do not work properly when there is an airflow restriction. Restrictions can happen when the coils get clogged with dirt and contaminants from the air.

To clean it, turn it off, and let your condenser coils to warm up and dry completely. Once they are completely dry, then clean the coils. The best way to do that is with a vacuum cleaner. Just be careful not to damage the coils during the process. Be sure to also clean the air filter from your unit if it has one.

Have a Professional Tune-Up

Finally, schedule a professional tune-up. During this visit, your system will get a deeper cleaning, including the evaporator coil and the circulation fan. This will help reduce any further airflow restrictions to ensure your unit is working optimally.

In addition to the energy savings you will realize due to the tune-up, you will also reduce your repair expenses. These visits look for signs of wear so they can be repaired more quickly. This reduces the overall strain on your system, saving you from more extensive repairs.

Your Next Move

You should always contact a licensed electrician whenever you consider upgrading or repairing anything electrical. Electricity is nothing to play with, and attempting to fix a problem on your own could worsen your issue or create a bigger problem than you know how to fix. When it comes to installing dedicated circuits, you want to make sure the process goes smoothly and causes no issues.

At D.O.C. Electric Inc., we have the know-how to assist you. We’ll send out a professional electrician to help you figure out which appliances deserve dedicated circuits so that you can configure the electricity of your home more efficiently and logically. To get in contact with an electrician today, contact us, and we’ll help you get your circuits sorted out.