Keep Your Air Conditioner Running Efficiently this Summer

Summer temperatures are rising, and so are energy costs. Faced with skyrocketing energy bills, many families are shutting off their air conditioners. But a cool home doesn't have to come at the expense of a family's savings. Here's how to lower your energy bills without sweating through the summer.

Keep the Heat Outside
To lower your energy bills, make sure your home is sealed tight against the
outdoor heat. Check to make sure your attic has adequate insulation. If you can
see the attic joists, you'll need to add more insulation; aim for a 12- to
15-inch layer. Windows and doors can be drafty areas, so seal up any cracks
with caulking and weather stripping. Seal gaps around pipes and ducts on the
exterior of your home with a generous application of spray foam. And install
foam outlet cover gaskets on all interior electrical outlets that are located
on exterior walls, to prevent hot outside air from seeping inside.

Your AC Unit Needs Air Too
Air conditioners consume a lot of energy, but a few simple tricks can help
lower their energy consumption. Dirty air filters can compromise the efficiency
of an air conditioner, as can direct sunlight on and inadequate air circulation
around the unit. Fortunately, these problems are easy to fix. If the filter on
your air conditioner (or furnace, if your home has central air) looks dirty,
clean it or change it. Shade the area around your air conditioner unit outside.
And keep fences, decks, and garden beds away from the unit to allow for air
circulation.

Program Your Thermostat to Save on Cooling
A programmable thermostat can also help lower your energy bills. Preprogrammed
settings will turn your thermostat up a few degrees during work hours―when
you're away from home―and down a few degrees evenings and weekends. Energy Star estimates savings of around $180 a year for families that use the preprogrammed settings.

Look for Duct Leaks
Lastly, seal and insulate your home's ducts. A crack in a duct reduces air
flow; since less cool air is reaching the living spaces, your whole home feels
warmer. To remedy the problem, use duct sealant to cover over any seams or
holes. To further lower your energy bill, insulate any ducts that run through
the warmer spaces of your home, like the garage and attic. Wrapping insulation
around ducts ensures that the air traveling from the air conditioner to the
living spaces remains cool.

If you're on a budget, you don't have to suffer through the heat. These home
improvements will lower your energy bills not only this summer, but many
summers to come. Most of these improvements will also reduce your heating costs
come winter; you and your bank account can be comfortable all year long.

If you would like any specific Tips and Tricks for around the home, please feel free to let us know.  Patch@CTproperties.net