Cool Ways to Save on AC Costs

Nearly every home and business owner in Amarillo, TX, relies on air conditioning for cooling relief from the Lone Star State’s hot and humid weather, and that makes managing cooling bills a real concern. Keeping your air conditioner running at maximum efficiency is essential, and there are other cool ways to save on AC expenses too. The following tips rank high on the list of money-saving strategies.

Professional Tune-Ups

When it comes to cost-effective AC solutions, no energy-saving investment offers you a better return than regularly scheduled air conditioning maintenance. Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have found that well-maintained air conditioners use up to 20 percent less energy than neglected systems. Because seasonal tune-ups help prevent the need for AC repairs and premature replacements, you’ll enjoy long-term savings too. Enrolling in an air conditioning maintenance agreement is the easiest way to ensure that you reap the full benefits of proper AC care.

Reducing Cooling Costs with Attic Insulation

Attic temperatures can reach as high as 150 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot Texas day. Poorly insulated attics waste energy by forcing home air conditioning and HVAC systems to run longer to keep heat at bay. The cost of adding attic insulation is quickly recovered through monthly savings on cooling bills of 20 percent or more.

Controlling Air Infiltration

The last thing that you want is for the air that you’ve paid to cool and condition to escape from your living or work spaces. Leaks in your building envelope allow hot and humid air to infiltrate your home or business as well. Use these tips to seal up the leaks:

• When it comes to air leaks, ductwork is typically the worst culprit. On average, leaky ductwork wastes around 20 percent of the air that passes through them. A professional pressure test conducted by a qualified HVAC technician can determine if sealing and insulating your ducts will save you money.
• Any fixture that passes through a floor, wall or ceiling can allow air infiltration if not properly sealed. Use a can of polyurethane expandable spray foam to seal up gaps around utility conduits, phone and cable lines, vents, flues and chimneys.
• Drafty or poorly insulated windows force your air conditioner to run longer. Use weatherstripping and caulk to eliminate leaks. Close window coverings during the day to reduce solar heat gain, or use white blinds or shades to deflect heat.

Serving Amarillo and the surrounding communities for more than 15 years, Grizzle Heating and Air offers a full array of products and services designed to increase your comfort while decreasing your energy expenses. When summer temperatures sizzle, contact Grizzle for energy-efficient cooling solutions.