Home Maintenance / May 30, 2017
As summer temperatures rise, so does the amount homeowners have to pay to cool their homes. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that air conditioning costs American homeowners $29 billion annually, with air conditioners consuming about 6% of all electricity produced in the U.S. The good news is there are many simple steps you can take to cut down on how much you spend on cooling this season, without sacrificing comfort. Handyman Connection, your go-to source for all of your home improvement and maintenance needs, explains how.
The dirtier your unit gets, the harder it has to work and the more energy it uses. Cleaning and tuning up the coils, filter, motor and other components will help your air conditioner work more efficiently and increase its lifespan. In addition, most manufacturers require a system to be regularly serviced to be eligible for warranty coverage.
You don’t have to turn your thermostat up dramatically to put a major dent in your cooling bill. According to one study, for each degree a thermostat is set above 75 degrees, the energy savings amounts to approximately 5%. During warm weather, it’s generally recommended to keep the temperature at 78 degrees when you are home. If you will be out of the house for four or more hours, turn up the setting. If you don’t currently have a programmable thermostat that can be adjusted to your schedule, call Handyman Connection for an installation estimate.
Ceiling fans are a simple but effective way to save up to 40% on your cooling bills. Fans work by moving air across the skin, which pulls body heat away and makes you feel cooler. They use only a fraction of the energy consumed by an air conditioner – but don’t expect to save money if you run your ceiling fans and air conditioner at the same time. Raise your thermostat or turn off the air conditioner to decrease energy use, and don’t forget to set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise in the summer.
Keeping out hot air in summer is just as important as keeping out cold air in winter. Home improvements that can block hot air from entering your living areas include adding attic insulation, sealing around pipes and duct work, replacing old windows, and installing window blinds or shades to reflect the sun’s rays before they enter your home.
Let Handyman Connection help you keep your cool this summer! From small repairs to complete remodeling, we are the trusted source homeowners call when they need a professional handyman. Call 1-800-88-HANDY today to schedule a free, no-obligation project estimate!
800-88-HANDY (42639) 
