It is the season for rising energy costs, especially here in Southwest Florida. At Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning, we have some tips to help you save money without sacrificing comfort during these hot summer days. Implement these tips to keep both your temperature and your energy bill from rising this summer:
It’s Time To Unplug
You’ve heard about putting down your devices and figuratively ‘unplugging’ from technology, but Avis is here to tell you to literally unplug your unused devices. They contribute to rising energy costs. Did you know that even if you have chargers plugged in and they are not charging anything they can still be costing you money? Just because it is off does not mean that it is not still drawing energy from the outlet! These are often referred to as ‘Vampire Appliances’ and they are definitely costing you money. Advanced power strips can be one of the simplest solutions to this problem; however, how do you know what devices are costing you money?
Here are some of the top energy-wasting appliances and devices that can (and should) be unplugged when not in use:
- Flat Screen TVs (perhaps the most costly of all)
- Video Game Consoles
- Desktop and Laptop Computers
- Device Chargers (for phones, tablets, laptops, etc.)
- Infrequently Used Kitchen Appliances (coffee makers, toasters, microwaves)
- Clock Radios or Remote Controlled Devices
According to the Department of Energy, on average, vampire appliances and electronics account for 10% of energy used. Addressing this issue could save you hundreds of dollars a year on rising energy costs, and not just in the summer.
Program Your Thermostat and Stay Away From Frigid Temperatures
Why would you be cooling your house at the same temperature while no one is home? You have a programmable thermostats but you’ve either never learned how to use it to your advantage or you just forgot about it. Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning is well-versed in a variety of systems and we know one thing for sure, they work and you should be using them to avoid rising energy costs! And sometimes while cooler temperatures seem the best, a small difference of just 5-8 degrees can feel just as relieving from the outside heat and save on those rising energy costs.
We offer a few suggestions for best temperature choices and programming options:
- During a typical work day, usually about 8 hours, it can make a significant different in your utility bill to rise your home’s cooling temperature above 78 degrees Fahrenheit
- When installing your thermostat, it is best to keep it way to keep it away from the heating and cooling registers, appliances, doorways, skylights, windows, and areas that have a lot of direct sunlight. Interior walls are recommended.
- Make sure to change your batteries in your thermostat every year. It most cases, the thermostat will alert you when it is time to change.
- If you are vacationing or leaving your home vacant for an extended period of time, thermostats will often have a ‘hold’ feature that will allow you to keep it at a consistent, energy-saving temperature during those times
Your comfort is ultimately determined by who lives in your home, but regardless it is best to program your at-home temperatures 5-8 degrees lower than your at-work or vacant temperatures.
Keep Your Filter and Your System Clean
One of the most important things to a clean, operational system is to remember to change your filter and keep it clean. And what can be just as important, but an often overlooked step, is to remember to vacuum your A/C lines to prevent a sluggish system.
It is important to change or clean your filters every three months because it will prevent your system from having to work harder to push out clean air and driving up your energy costs. In addition to decreasing your costs it will also decrease dust, dander, and allergens in the air as well.
While keeping your filter clean is important, it is not the only step you should take it proper system maintenance. Preventative air conditioner maintenance here in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and the surrounding areas is essential in ensuring that your unit continues to effectively cool your Florida home, minimizing the need for repairs. Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning specializes in system maintenance and have decades of experience in the area. Contact us for more information about these services.
Close Doors and Vents to Unused Areas
While it is great to have extra space for family and friends that may be visiting that space could be costing you serious dollars, especially during the summer months, as it goes unused. When you have bedrooms, office spaces, or areas that are infrequently used it is best to close the vents to these areas and install draft guards to prevent wasted energy being pushed to unused areas. Please keep in mind that it is still very important to make sure that your system is functioning properly and that it in consistently updated or repaired to not create additional strain on the blower or compressor. Call Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning to come take a look and we are always happy to give our customers HVAC tips and tricks to make sure you are getting the best value out of your system.
Grill Out (it is summer after all)
Nothing says summer like firing up the grill and having a cookout in the great weather. However, did you know that cooking outside could also help reduce your energy costs during the summer months? The heat given off by your oven and stove permeates throughout your home, which forces your air conditioner to work harder. So now grilling out is not just fun but it is also economical!
Want to make sure your equipment is best equipped to protect you against those rising costs? Call the pros at Avis Plumbing and Air Conditioning at (239) 542-4421. We have the experience and equipment to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
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