One of your biggest household energy expenses is air conditioning throughout the spring, summer and fall months. In this article, Haldeman Mechanical has some suggestions for saving you money this air conditioning season.
Have your air conditioning serviced before the season begins. Call Haldeman Mechanical to service your system before you need it. Routine maintenance like
changing the air filters and checking the refrigerant helps your system to run more efficiently.
Install a more efficient system. If your air conditioning system is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more efficient unit. Within a few years, you will recoup the cost in energy savings. PPL and Met-Ed customers still can qualify for some rebates on energy efficient choices. And a modified version of the Federal Tax Credit program has been extended through this year. Call us for details.
Install a programmable thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature higher at times when you are away from home, reducing your energy costs. Rebates are still available from PPL if you install a programmable thermostat before May 31st.
Landscape for energy efficiency. You can reduce your air conditioning costs by up to 25% by planting shade trees which shield your home from the sun during peak hours.
Turn off lights and electronic equipment when not in use. Lights and electronics such as computers and printers generate heat. Turn them off when you are not using them and, if possible, limit use of computers to evening when the weather is cooler.
Install ceiling fans or use portable fans. A fan can make the room temperature feel several degrees cooler so you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher.