6 Ways To Lower Your Summer Energy Bill

As the temperatures start climbing during the summer in New Orleans, electricity bills often follow suit. Between air conditioners, fans, and refrigerators, it takes plenty of power to keep your home and family cool. At Stuart Services, we enjoy helping our customers save money and become more eco-friendly, so we’re sharing a few tips on how to lower your summer energy bill.

1. Schedule AC Maintenance

Servicing your air conditioning system regularly is the best way to avoid breakdowns in the future, but it can also extend its service life and reduce your cooling costs. For the best results, you should schedule AC maintenance once a year, ideally just before summer. That way, you know your system is ready for the heat.

This service will typically include things like:

• Replacing the air filter
• Testing the thermostat
• Cleaning the coils
• Testing the compressor

With your system running more efficiently, it will use far less energy.

2. Install a Smart Thermostat

Programmable thermostats, or smart thermostats, are an easy way to reduce your energy costs by up to 10%. Installing one and setting it to raise the temperature in your home a few degrees while you’re at work can significantly cut your electric bills without affecting your comfort. You’ll also be able to lower the temperature a few degrees before you get home.

Programmable thermostats offer a variety of adjustable temperature set points. Wi-Fi or Smart thermostats feature easy remote programming from a computer or mobile device, and they can eventually learn and adjust automatically to your schedule. Staying comfortable has never been more convenient!

3. Use Home HVAC Zoning

A professionally installed HVAC zoning system can be another great way to reduce your summer energy bills. Dampers added to your existing ducts can be opened or closed to tailor each room or zone to your comfort needs. Each zone is controlled individually, and in areas that are used less or rarely occupied, cooling can be reduced to save money.

4. Turn on Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans create a gentle breeze that can make your family feel cooler while helping to distribute air throughout your home more effectively. Used alone on mild days or in conjunction with air conditioning, they can significantly impact your electricity costs.

5. Unplug Devices When They’re Not in Use

Many modern electronics and appliances have small electrical draws even when turned off, allowing them to start up quickly, keep their batteries topped off, or respond to remote controls. You can eliminate these hidden electrical drains by unplugging these devices or placing them on an outlet strip that can be easily switched off.

6. Use Electricity Outside of Peak Hours

Peak electrical usage occurs during the hottest part of the afternoon, when families start coming home from work and school, and air conditioners are maxed out to compensate for the day’s heat. Utility companies have a limited output capacity, so they often charge more per kilowatt-hour to discourage unnecessary use during peak hours. To save on your utility bills, you can move tasks like doing the laundry, running the dishwasher, or recharging your devices to off-peak times.

Save Energy With HVAC Maintenance & Upgrades From Stuart Services

Don’t let high summer energy costs catch you by surprise. Work with our team at Stuart Services to keep your air conditioning system running as efficiently as possible. We offer HVAC maintenance, repairs, replacements, and upgrades throughout New Orleans, LA, and we have over 60 years of professional HVAC, plumbing, and electrical service in the area.

We’re a locally-owned and -operated company with top-quality work, upfront pricing, and NATE-certified technicians who will respect your home and leave the work area clean and tidy.

For more tips on saving money on AC in the summer, reach out to Stuart Services. Call 504-321-2079 today to speak with a local HVAC contractor.