How to Lower Your Air Conditioning Bills
When your central air conditioner (AC) runs efficiently, it costs less to operate, uses less energy, and controls humidity and temperature easily.
All heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems lose efficiency as they age, but professional maintenance and do-it-yourself tweaks can help restore and improve system performance.
If your central air conditioner is at the end of its useful service life after cooling your Portland home for 15 to 20 years, it may make more sense to replace it rather than try to boost its efficiency.
Even if your air conditioner is 10 years old, you may save up to 40 percent of your cooling costs by replacing it with a new, high-efficiency system, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
If you are not ready to replace your aging air conditioner, consider refreshing and improving its performance while extending its lifespan. The qualified pros at Sun Glow Home Services can assist you with maintaining, repairing, or replacing your cooling system.
Portland Air Conditioning Maintenance Services
Improving efficiency starts with annual preventative maintenance. Spring to early summer is the sweet spot for annual cooling system tune-ups. It is the perfect time to prepare your equipment for the hotter months of summer with an inspection, cleaning, and repairs if needed.
A professional checkup will ensure your central air conditioner operates safely and efficiently from spring to fall. Annual maintenance prevents minor mechanical and electrical problems from growing into significant issues needing costly repairs or new components.
Let our Sun Glow Home Services experts give your AC unit a little TLC before summer. You can schedule a one-time maintenance visit with us or join our Maintenance Membership Program, which offers heating and cooling system checkups and other benefits you can tailor to your HVAC needs.
Replace Your Air Filter
A dirty air filter restricts airflow and causes your air conditioner to work harder and struggle to keep your home cool. Replacing the filter before it becomes clogged with debris goes a long way toward boosting efficiency.
Check your air filter every month and replace it at least every 90 days or sooner if it is dirty.
Let Air Flow
Vacuum air vent grilles and registers occasionally. Move furniture and window treatments away from air vents to avoid obstructing the airflow. Consider closing drapes and blinds to block sunlight on hot days, especially if your windows face south.
Create space around the outdoor air conditioning unit by eliminating encroaching weeds and shrubs. Use a gentle spray of water from a garden hose to loosen and wash away any dirt clinging to the fan blades and other components.
Occasionally clean the drain pan and line connected to the indoor unit to remove clogs, prevent mold growth, and boost efficiency. Turn off the air conditioner at your breaker box and use a shop vac to remove debris from the line. Flush the drain with distilled vinegar, followed by water.
Not a fan of do-it-yourself HVAC maintenance? Relax and call Sun Glow Home Services. One of our pros will clean the drain for you during a maintenance checkup.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Setting your thermostat to the same temperature day and night regardless if you are at home or away causes wear and tear on your cooling system and affects efficiency.
A programmable thermostat allows you to schedule temperature changes in your home. You can set the thermostat to increase the temperature when you leave for work in the morning and then decrease it by a few degrees when you arrive home.
With a Wi-Fi–enabled programmable thermostat or a smart thermostat, you can change programming and indoor temperature no matter where you are. An app on your smartphone lets you communicate your heating and cooling preferences to your HVAC system at home.
Schedule Maintenance Today
Improve air conditioner efficiency by letting Sun Glow Home Services thoroughly tune up your cooling system. An efficient air conditioner will enhance your comfort and help you save on utility bills in Portland, OR. Call us at 503-253-7789 or request service online.