While the bills start to stack and seem endless, your energy bill shouldn’t be a bill you need to worry about. While the average cost of energy may be greater in your San Antonio household, there are a few things you can do to conserve energy and save money during this Texas summer!
Get Yourself a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats connect to the internet, making them convenient, easy to use, and smart! Best of all, they save you money. When you install a smart thermostat can save you up to 10–12% on heating costs and 15% on cooling costs. This is because of the nature of smart thermostats. They allow you to remotely adjust the temperature of your home while you’re away. They collect data on your energy usage and provide recommendations for ways to save energy and keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Some people may think turning your AC off when you’re not at home will save you money. In reality, this practice makes your electricity bills higher since your AC unit has to work harder to get your home to a comfortable temperature when you return home. By using a smart thermostat, you can review the data and determine the optimal temperature to set your AC at when you’re not at home.
Cover Your Windows
Do you leave your blinds or curtains open all day? We get it, natural light is the best. Just know if you’re letting in the sun all day, you could be contributing to your expensive energy bill. That’s because 76% of the sunlight that strikes an average window turns into heat. The fix? Close your blinds, install window shades, curtains, or window films. All these will help keep your home cooler and reduce the need to run your AC.
Change your Air Filter
When your AC’s air filter becomes abundant with dust and debris from whatever’s in the air in Texas, it’s harder for your unit to pump out cool air. When your AC has to work harder to do its job, it’ll show on your next bill! The Environmental Protection Agency recommends changing your air filter every 3 months, at a minimum. So if your air filter is looking a little dirty, change it. Not only will your home remain free of dust and pollutants, but you’ll conserve energy and save money!
Hire Professional Maintenance
If you’ve performed the steps above and still feel that your energy bill is higher than it should be, then it may be a good idea to have an HVAC professional take a look. A Manuel & Sons professional can diagnose the hidden problems you may not see on the surface and give you the best advice. Contact us today to have lower energy bills tomorrow!