Lower Your Cooling Bills Without Compromising Comfort
Last July, Jim from Tellico Plains, TN, opened his electric bill and nearly dropped his sweet tea when he read it was $372! He had cranked up the air conditioner to battle the Tennessee heat, but it felt like he was burning money to stay cool. If you’ve ever been shocked by a summer utility bill, you’re not alone. High cooling bills and wasted energy are common problems, but the good news is there are smart, simple ways to fix them without sacrificing comfort.
Seal and Insulate for Efficiency
Many homes in Tellico Plains, TN, lose cool air through tiny leaks around windows, doors and attics. This forces your air conditioner to work harder, spiking your cooling bills. Sealing gaps with weatherstripping or caulk and upgrading insulation can dramatically reduce wasted energy. Pay special attention to attic insulation; it can be a game changer in hot summers.
Use a Smart Thermostat
Installing a programmable or smart thermostat lets you automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your schedule. Set it a few degrees higher when you’re away or asleep, and let it cool down before you return. These small tweaks can save 10% or more on your cooling bills without affecting your comfort.
Keep Up With AC Maintenance
A dirty filter or clogged coil can make your AC system work twice as hard. Schedule a tuneup before peak summer hits. A local HVAC pro like Pol’s Heating and Cooling, LLC can inspect refrigerant levels, clean coils and check airflow. Regular AC maintenance not only lowers cooling bills but also extends the life of your air conditioner.
Shade and Ventilate Your Home
Simple shading techniques, like closing blinds during peak sun hours or installing awnings, can lower indoor temperatures. Planting trees or adding exterior shades can also help. Indoors, use ceiling fans to circulate air more efficiently, allowing you to raise the thermostat by a couple of degrees while still feeling cool.
By taking these proactive steps, Tellico Plains, TN, homeowners can enjoy a cooler home, lower cooling bills and peace of mind all summer. Contact Pol’s Heating and Cooling, LLC for more air conditioning tips.
Image provided by iStock
You May Also Like
Why Your Heat Pump in Knoxville, TN, Is Stuck in Heating Mode
With summer temperatures rising, you need your heat pump to keep your Knoxville, TN, home cool and comfortable. If your heat pump… Continue Reading Why Your Heat Pump in Knoxville, TN, Is Stuck in Heating Mode…
Use These Expert Tips to Shop for a New AC Installation
The comfort of your home isn’t just about temperature. It’s about finding the right balance between efficiency, performance and lasting value. As… Continue Reading Use These Expert Tips to Shop for a New AC Installation…
AC Maintenance Tasks: What You Can and Shouldn’t Do
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper air conditioning maintenance can improve an AC system’s efficiency by up to 15%. In… Continue Reading AC Maintenance Tasks: What You Can and Shouldn’t Do…