Tips on How to Keep Cool When Energy Bills Are Making You Hot

Taking a good hard look at your energy bills is a quick way to get your blood boiling while trying to stay cool in your Northwest Arkansas area home this summer. Thankfully, the following tips will help you maintain a comfortable temperature in your home without insanely high energy bills.

Replace Air Filters

Not regularly replacing the air filters in your heating and cooling system is one of the quickest ways to pay more for your energy costs. A dirty or clogged filter restricts the flow of the air, causing the unit to work harder. Not only are you wasting energy, you are also increasing your carbon footprint. Furthermore, a dirty air filter reduces your indoor air quality, which has a negative effect on your health. Most experts recommend changing the air filter once a month.

Seal Air Leaks

Air leaks are a common problem in homes all over the world. These leaks allow the cooled indoor air to leak out of your home while the hot outdoor air seeps in. Ductwork is one of the main culprits of air leaks, and if you properly seal and insulate it, you can improve the HVAC unit’s energy efficiency to 20 percent or more, according to the EPA website.

Preventive Maintenance

Regular tune-ups keep your HVAC unit functioning properly, while improving its energy efficiency. All of which can lower your energy bills. Furthermore, signing a preventive maintenance agreement with a trusted HVAC company prolongs the life of your heating and cooling system and reduces the chance of unexpected repairs.

Upgrade the Thermostat

Replacing those outdated dial thermostat with a more energy efficient programmable thermostat gives you complete control over when your HVAC system kicks on and off. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature higher while at work — and don’t need the air conditioner on — and have it kick on about 20 minutes before you arrive home.

For more tips on how to save on your energy bills, contact the experts at Paschal Heat, Air & Geothermal. We provide dependable services to the residents and businesses of the Northwest Arkansas area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Springdale, Arkansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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