13 Tips to Keep Your Air Conditioning Costs Low
The summer months usher in fun times with family and long, hot days. As temperatures rise, a lot of the time, so do your air conditioning costs. But there are plenty of methods ranging from quick fixes to long-term solutions to cut down on your cooling bill.
Let’s take a look at them!
How to Reduce Air Conditioning Costs Today
You can start cutting back on cooling costs as soon as today!
Here’s the bottom line: the smaller the difference between the temperature inside and outside of your home, the lower your bill will be. There are plenty of minor lifestyle changes and considerations you can implement to achieve this.
1. Turn The Heat Up
If you have a programmable air conditioning system, keep the temperature as high as you can handle. When you leave your house, turn it up about 5 degrees higher to get the temperature inside and outside even closer – just don’t keep it above the outside temperature.
If you’re attempting to cool down your home faster, try to stay away from setting the inside temperature lower than you intend to keep it regularly. It doesn’t actually save you much time and you may run the risk of forgetting to set it to your normal temperature again.
2. Reduce Heat-Creating Activities
Our home appliances create a lot more warmth than we may think. Another method to keep your home cool for cheap is to cut back on heat-creating activities during the day. Avoid using your dryer, stovetop, and dishwasher during the heat of the day.
Instead, explore outdoor alternatives such as using a clothing line or grilling. Some other activities you may want to reduce during the day include showering for long durations, keeping the television on, and at-home workouts (try using a fan instead).
3. Don’t Crowd Into One Room
In a confined space, multiple people crammed together can significantly heat up a room. Your body can radiate around 100 watts of excess heat. This can make for an uncomfortable increase in heat in an already toasty room during the summer. If you have guests over, try spacing out as much as possible during the daytime when the temperature is at its hottest.
4. Use a Fan
A steadfast tool to beat the heat is the ceiling or circulating fan. In reality, fans don’t lower the temperature of a room. They make you feel cooler through a phenomenon known as the wind-chill effect. As the air circulates, you’ll feel several degrees cooler. Fans work especially well in combination with your air conditioner, moving the cool air throughout a room more efficiently. Be sure your ceiling fan is rotating counterclockwise so that the blades push cooler air down while the A/C is on.
5. Draw the Curtains
Curtains, blinds, and shades are more strong allies in your quest for a lower electric bill. You’ll notice a significant difference in the temperature of your home if you allow sunlight to beam through your windows. Keeping your curtains drawn can significantly reduce the temperature of your home. Especially if they are light in color. According to the Department of Energy, “medium-colored draperies with white, plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33%.”
6. Don’t Let Your Cool Air Escape
The last thing you want is to lose all the cold air your air conditioner worked so hard to create. Another important rule of thumb is to keep your doors and windows closed while your A/C is running. This one is easy to implement and something you can do today. Be sure to check for potential bad seals or leaks. This leads us to some more involved fixes you can work towards for a lower cooling bill.
7. Keep Your A/C On All Day
If you feel way too hot and the tip of keeping the temperature up isn’t an option, keep the air conditioner on at all times of the day. Although it seems counterintuitive, leaving your A/C on all day is another great way to save on your cooling bill.
When you turn your system off and let your house heat up too much, it takes up a lot of energy for your A/C to get the temperature back down again once you turn it back on. It can also put a lot of undue stress on your system to make this a regular habit.
What Are Some Long-Term Ways to Reduce My A/C Bill?
The methods above are a great starting point for a cheaper, cooler home. But if you’re willing to invest more time and money in a solution, there are plenty of options to choose from.
1. Seal Your Windows and Doors
As mentioned before, potential leaks or bad seals aren’t doing you any favors in the quest for a cool home. Sometimes something as simple as a weather strip can prevent the flow of air. But, you might need to consider replacing an entire window if it’s more of a serious issue.
2. Seal Your Attic and Basement
Your windows and doors aren’t the only areas of concern when it comes to bad seals. Attics and basements can be another place where cool air escapes. This can be especially problematic in older homes. You can try your hand at a DIY fix by caulking leaks you may notice or, if you’re willing to spend a little more cash, you can hire a professional to air-seal these spaces.
3. Plant A Tree or Bush
Some other long-term fixes you can invest in are trees or bushes. Just as curtains block out the sun, plants can shield your home from the harsh rays. When deciding where to plant, consider placing tall trees on the south side of your home as it gets the most sun throughout the day.
4. Update to an Auto Thermostat
Auto thermostats are another great tool. As you already know by now, keeping the home as close to the temperature outside as possible is crucial to lowering your bill. With an auto thermostat, you can set your temperature preferences schedule once and it will automatically change. Some even connect to an app so you can change it while away from home!
5. Maintain Your A/C System
Even the most energy-efficient, technologically advanced A/C won’t save you money if you don’t maintain it properly. Take care of your air conditioning system. Be sure your air ducts aren’t blocked by furniture or dust. Periodically check the evaporator and condenser coils outside for debris and clean or switch out your filter once a month.
6. Call in the HVAC Professionals
A final step you can take to assure you’re saving as much money as possible is to hire a professional HVAC contractor to provide you with comprehensive air conditioning services. There could be underlying issues costing you money that you might not be able to detect on your own. That’s where we come in!
If you’re in Northern Colorado, take advantage of a free estimate when you call Good Guys Home Services. Escape the summer heat and save money with us today!
Common Gas and Electric Water Heater Problems
No matter the season or time of year, your water heater functioning properly is essential. Summer or winter, your clothes need to be washed, your shower needs to be warm, and your sink needs to sanitize those dishes.
How do you know if your water heater is experiencing problems and affecting usage and efficiency, or causing damage to your home?
Let’s break down the most common problems homeowners experience with gas and electric water heater systems. (And how to fix them!)
Common Gas Water Heater Issues
Gas water heaters utilize a burner to heat water, located at the bottom of the water heater. Gas water heaters have a tank and require airflow. The temperature of the water heater can be set based on the size of the home and the number of hot water users living there.
Heat is transferred by the combustion of propane gas, ignited by a pilot light. Gas water heaters require an exhaust system funneled outside so as to remove dangerous carbon dioxide fumes from the home.
Gas water heaters should be handled with caution and expertise, especially when dealing with a number of system problems.
1. Not Enough Hot Water
One of the most common problems encountered with gas water heaters is that there doesn’t seem to be enough hot water to go around. Thankfully, this is fairly easy to fix; simply turn up the water temperature on your water heater. Be cautious not to turn it up too high, as this can be a burning hazard.
If the problem persists, it may be due to an improper thermostat setting or a malfunctioning gas valve. Both of these circumstances require the intervention of a professional plumber.
2. No Hot Water
If your home has a gas water heater and there is no hot water accessible from any sources in your home, it may have something to do with the pilot light or flow of gas. You may be able to reignite the pilot light using an ignitor or following the specific instructions found in your water heater manual.
3. Water Heater Clicking/Making Noise
If your water heater is making unfamiliar noises, it’s a sign of something potentially dangerous. It’s likely that your water heater is “clicking” because there is a build-up of sediment at the bottom of the machine, preventing the water from being heated properly. This can result in overheating, and therefore should be addressed by a professional.
For prevention, your water heater should be flushed, inspected, cleaned, and maintained by a plumbing expert at least once per year.
4. Leaking Water Heater
If you observe a leak coming from your water heater, call a trained plumbing professional immediately. The water heater either needs to be repaired or replaced, and will cause further damage if not properly attended to. After placing the call to your plumber, follow these steps:
- Locate the source of the leak
- Turn off power to your water heater
- Turn off water supply
- Remove valuables from the flow of water and ensure the area is clear of pets, children, etc
5. Smelly Hot Water
If you’re smelling something resembling rotten eggs coming from your water heater, or from your hot water tap, it’s likely that there is bacterial growth occurring in your water heater. The solution is fairly simple (flushing with a cleaning solution), but if you’re not trained to do this, it’s time to call the pros (a plumber).
Common Electric Water Heater Problems
While gas and electric water heaters look similar, the main difference between the two is that an electric water heater is powered by electric upper and lower heating elements which protrude into the tank to heat the water.
If your electric water heater is showcasing any of the above water heater problems, the solution will likely look different than that of a gas water heater issue.
Before proceeding with any diagnosis or investigation of your electric water heater problems, be advised to turn off the power to your electric heater using your home’s breaker system.
1. No Hot Water
If your electric water heater isn’t producing hot water in your home, it’s likely not receiving power or a failed heating element. To troubleshoot, check the heater’s circuit breaker to ensure power is still flowing. Try switching it off and on again.
If there is a malfunctioning heating element, it may be time to call in the pros for repair or complete replacement.
2. Not Enough Hot Water
If your home’s hot water supply doesn’t seem to be meeting the demand of those living inside, it may be that the unit isn’t large enough to satisfy the water needs of your family. You can mitigate this by limiting the length of hot showers and spreading out other hot water uses (dishwasher, laundry, etc) throughout the day.
If the issue persists, there may be one or more heating elements beginning to lose efficiency, in which case it’s best to schedule an appointment with a water heater repair expert.
3. Water Temperature is Too Hot
While one wouldn’t assume this is a problem, water temperature that is unbearably hot can be just as frustrating as no or not enough hot water. It’s possible that a setting on your electric water heater isn’t set properly. Follow the instructions specific to your unit and adjust one or more of the water heater’s thermostats.
4. Leaking Water Heater
As with a gas water heater, this is a highly problematic situation. If you notice water coming from your water heater, call a professional right away. The leak could be due to tank corrosion or a loose heating element. After calling your local emergency plumber, do the following:
- Turn off power to your electric water heater
- Turn off water supply
- Locate the source of the leak
- Evacuate the area
- If knowledgeable and confident enough, you may begin draining the tank
5. Colored Water, Bad Odor, Or Noisy Tank
The procedures for addressing these issues in an electric water heater are the same as mitigating them for a gas water heater. It’s time to tap in your local professional plumbing team!
NoCo’s Team of HVAC and Plumbing Experts
If you’re in need of professional plumbing services, be sure to call the team that will provide you with individualized solutions and excellent customer service.
Good Guys Home Services is fully equipped and trained to mitigate any problem your gas or electric water heater might throw our way. We can handle leaks, malfunctioning heating elements, build-up, bacteria in your tank, and more! Whether your home is in need of maintenance, repairs, replacement, or an inspection, you need a team of plumbing experts!
When you need heating, plumbing, and air conditioning services, be sure to call a business that allows you to talk to find the solution right now. Enjoy quality, speedy service and 24/7 availability every time you call Good Guys Home Services. Reach out today!
What Temperature Should You Keep Your Thermostat at Year-Round?
Are you always too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer? It may be because your thermostat isn’t set at the ideal temperature.
There is a fine line between being cost-effective and comfortable when setting the temperature for your thermostat.
Turning on and off your heating or air conditioning is not efficient and can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the machine.
However, there is no need for your air conditioner to stay at that breezy 65 degrees when you’re out at work all day either. Many thermostats today allow you to program the temperature depending on the time of day, allowing you the freedom to keep costs down when you’re not at home.
The best way to combat the dramatic hot and cold temperatures throughout the day and throughout each season is to set it to a comfortable temperature when you are home, and then either raise it or lower it depending on the season and whether or not you are home.
This isn’t suggesting, however, to completely turn off your air conditioner or heat while you are gone. That can cause major issues in the wintertime when your pipes are at risk of freezing.
Optimal Temperature for Your Home
To optimally utilize your thermostat, it is recommended that you keep your home at 68 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home and 60 degrees when you’re not.
In the summer, the recommended guideline for energy use and efficiency is to keep your day time temperature at about 78 degrees, and lowering it to 75 when you sleep.
Some suggest that the coolest temperature you should keep your thermostat at, is 78 degrees in the summer.
That number may seem staggeringly high, however, it is based off efficiency not necessarily personal comfort.
According to Consumer Reports, their suggestion is to keep the thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home, 85 degrees when you’re at work, and 82 degrees when sleeping (during the summer).
However, most people tend to sleep better and find it more comfortable to sleep in a cooler home.
If you get hot easily or cold easily, increasing your preferred temperature setting 4 degrees when you’re asleep, and 7 degrees when no one is home.
The important thing to note is to not continuously turn your system on and off throughout the day, or just let it run at the same temperature all day. If you turn off your air conditioner while away and then turn it back on when you get home, the system will run continuously for an hour until it reaches that temperature.
This is very inefficient when compared to having a steady, but higher (or lower), temperature throughout the day to maintain a sense of airflow.
A fan can also help to circulate air throughout the home. Ceiling fans are useful during the winter months as well since hot air rises and fans have the ability to rotate counter-clockwise which pulls the hot air down.
If you’re unsatisfied with your heating and cooling system, don’t go another season being miserable and call the Good Guys today! We’re the professionals when it comes to all your heating and cooling needs.
Questions to Ask an HVAC Contractor
Finding the right HVAC contractor for your home can feel like a confusing, frustrating process. How do you know where to look? Once you find a specialist, how can you be sure they’re professional and experienced?
Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place.
One of the quickest ways to determine an HVAC contractor’s credibility is to ask him or her the following questions.
Where Can I Find Your Reviews and References?
If they have none, time to walk away. Today’s relevant and most trustworthy HVAC companies have an online presence because they know the value of meeting customer expectations online. If you’re doing research on your own, you should be able to search for the company by name in Google, and their business listing, along with all relevant information (contact information, website, any posted ratings and reviews), should appear.
If there’s no evidence of satisfied customer reviews, it might be a good idea to continue your search for an HVAC contractor.
What Services Do You Provide?
Ideally, your HVAC contractor will be well-versed in a wide range of techniques and services. If they are experts in only one facet of HVAC, working with their agency may result in frustration and inflated service costs, since other tasks will take up unnecessary paid time, or will require another contractor to step in and help.
Which Certifications Have Your Technicians Earned?
In a perfect world, you’d like to have someone working with the internal wiring of your home who actually knows what they’re doing, right? We thought so. Asking about a company’s requirements for training and licensure for their employees is a completely appropriate thing to do, and may save you a disaster in both home and wallet.
It goes without saying: you’re much more likely to get top-notch service from HVAC technicians who are certified and trained.
Additionally, you might ask a follow-up question: “How long have you been in business?”
This will allow you to gauge the expertise and longevity of experience your contractor is bringing to the table. Most likely, if you’re seeking out an HVAC contractor, your home might have been on the block for a few years (or decades). You want to be sure your technician is familiar with the fragile components of an older home, as well as proficient in understanding new HVAC systems in newer builds. Experience is vital.
What Maintenance Programs Do You Offer?
Every home is unique, so every home’s HVAC needs will be different. Knowing what your HVAC company protects, guarantees, and maintains is an essential part of creating a partnership. Ask about the company’s agreements and policies, and whether they’re flexible depending on the home’s needs. Ensure everything is in the open before signing on the dotted line.
Essentially, this question could be phrased as, “What happens after installation?” Does your HVAC technician leave you hanging high and dry, or will they commit to tune-ups and maintenance if need be?
How Can I Be Sure Your Recommendations Will Address My Home’s Air Needs?
This is not your average “business check-in” question. Too many HVAC contracting companies take short cuts and aren’t privy to the latest technologies and developments in the world of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The bolder you are able to be with your question asking of potential HVAC contractors, the more clarity you will have regarding their fit for your needs.
HVAC companies should be methodical, thoughtful, and intentional in their approach to giving quotes, assessing home air problems, and fixing/replacing any dysfunctional mechanisms. If you sense any theme of being rushed, abrupt, or insincere in diagnosing your HVAC issues and concerns, it may be a sign to keep searching.
What is Included in Your Service Quote?
This question seems like a silly one, but it is a surefire way to guarantee that there won’t be any hidden fees that arise later; after you’ve signed and services are in progress. Specifically, be warned that in the installation of a new HVAC system, the quote may not ensure that the old parts of the previous system also be replaced (fittings, valves, pipes, connectors, etc.). Ask your HVAC contractor about their policies regarding this.
Good Guys Home Services: The Answer to Your Questions
Locally owned and operated Good Guys Home Services is the most trusted source for all your HVAC needs in the Fort Collins, CO area. We take our commitment to excellence very seriously and accomplish this by providing customers with services that surpass their expectations.
Our goal is to give you complete confidence in hiring our team of licensed technicians. As a family-owned business, we know how important it is for you to feel comfortable in your home. Having professional HVAC services allows you to have the amenities you need, such as a temperature-controlled home environment. With 15 years of experience, our certified technicians have the knowledge and tools necessary to identify and complete any furnace repair or installation.
When you call Good Guys Home Services, you’ll receive prompt service and a transparent, straightforward quote. Maintain a comfortable temperature and healthy air quality by reaching out to our team.
In fact, we believe that a home should offer a high level of comfort, which is why we offer pre-season maintenance, complete system upgrades, 24-hour emergency services, and quick and honest communication. Good Guys is reliable, credible, and professional. The search is over; reach out today!