With the area’s year-long warm weather and summer heat spells that don’t break for weeks at a time, high cooling costs are one of the major drawbacks of living in San Antonio. Find out what changes you can make to keep your energy bills in check when temperatures rise.
While San Antonio’s sunny climate is one of its main attractions, it’s a perk that comes with a hefty price tag for many local residents. If your home has an outdated HVAC system or lacks insulation, your cooling costs can skyrocket during the hot and humid summer days when not using air conditioning isn’t an option. The good news is that it’s possible to keep your cooling costs under control with a few small changes to your lifestyle and maintenance routine. Below are some of the best ways to bring your monthly energy bills down before the next heat wave hits our area.
1. Take good care of your HVAC system. Like all home systems, your cooling unit should be checked and serviced by a professional on an annual basis or as soon as you notice any changes in its performance. HVAC technicians routinely bring down home cooling costs by replacing worn-out parts, increasing efficiency and preventing major repairs.
2. Seal air leaks with caulk. If your energy bills are higher than average, your HVAC system isn’t necessarily the source of the problem. Air leaks are a common culprit, especially in older homes with little insulation. Because leaks constantly release cool air, your HVAC system has to work double time to keep the indoor temperature stable. Fortunately, air sealing is an easy do-it-yourself fix. Check out the user-friendly guides from the U.S. Department of Energy to learn more about leak detection and caulking.
3. Improve air circulation with home fans. To cool any space quicker, place two portable fans on opposite sides of the room or run your ceiling fan counterclockwise. The reversed rotation pulls the cool air from where it collects on the floor and into the space above.
4. Invest in a programmable thermostat. With features that let you control your home’s temperature while you’re away or sleeping, a programmable thermostat can be the perfect home accessory for reducing wasted energy and maximizing your savings.
Want more advice about cutting cooling costs in San Antonio? Call ABC Home & Commercial Services directly or visit our website for more information, including a free estimate.