“How do I lower my cooling costs?”
This is a question just about any Tampa homeowner has asked, at least to themselves if not out loud. Considering how comfortably warm it gets in our area, this is a logical question. And the short answer is, “by improving the efficiency of your air conditioning system!”
But how exactly do you do this? Well…
By Scheduling Routine Maintenance
This is step #1 to improving the efficiency of your air conditioner. This is a vital part of keeping your system in good shape and performing at its best. Maintenance should be scheduled at least once a year—twice a year if you have a heat pump system.
It allows us to thoroughly inspect your air conditioner, checking for any repair needs, any components that need adjustment, and enables us to clean it inside and out. All of this contributes to efficiency. In fact, an air conditioner that is regularly maintained will keep 95% of its original efficiency during the time of installation.
Or, by Upgrading Your Air Conditioner
Is your system over 15 years old? Even with maintenance, most air conditioners are designed to last 10-15 years. If yours is approaching this age or more, then replacing it might be the best thing you can do to lower your cooling costs. Most homes today are equipped with central air conditioners, and if yours is too, then upgrading to a newer one could do you a lot of good.
Central AC’s are not your only option though. Is your ductwork in bad shape? Are you ready to replace your furnace as well? If your answer to either of these questions is “yes,” then you might want to consider the installation of a ductless system! Ductless HVAC systems both heat and cool your home for year round comfort, and do not require ducts—duct damage can allow conditioned air to escape into unoccupied rooms of your home, which is, naturally, very inefficient.
Boosting Efficiency Doesn’t Have to Cost You!
At this point you might be thinking, “wait, I want to save money, why are you telling me more ways to spend money?” Well first off, making an investment now means improving the performance of your system throughout the years to come, which will very quickly pay back the initial investment of maintenance or a new cooling system.
But, you’re right. You don’t HAVE to spend money in order to boost the efficiency of your air conditioner. Other options to boost efficiency include:
- Using Your Ceiling Fans! Your ceiling fans can’t keep you cool on their own, however, they can better distribute the air coming from your cooling system, which means you can turn the thermostat up a few degrees. This means the compressor will run for a shorter period of time, and you’ll boost efficiency and save money as a result.
- Turn the Thermostat Up. Speaking of that thermostat, do you really need to set it to 71°F during the day? First off, on a 90°+ day outside, your air conditioner can’t reach this temperature. Secondly, most people are perfectly comfortable between 76° to 78°. As we said above, setting your thermostat up a bit means the compressor will run for a shorter period of time. Trust us, this is good news for your wallet!
For reliable Tampa air conditioning services, contact IERNA’s Heating & Cooling today.