Temperatures are heating up and many homeowners want to know how to save money on air conditioning in San Jose, CA. Sure, your HVAC system is going to get a work out this summer. But there are plenty of things you can do to cut cooling costs and help your system run more efficiently. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Adjust the Thermostat
This is the best thing you can do to cut your energy costs. There is no need to cool the home if you are not there to enjoy it. So while you are at work adjust the temperature five to eight degrees higher when you leave. Even better, invest in a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat. Then you don’t have to rely on memory and can save money during the hottest part of the year. - Close Your Curtains
Natural light makes your home feel larger and brighter, but unless you have the right windows it always draws a lot of unwanted heat. If people are not occupying a certain room during the day, close the blinds and draw the curtains. This is especially true of west and south facing windows in line with direct sunlight. - Shade Your Outdoor A/C Unit
Did you know the ideal location for your central air conditioning is the north side of your home? It isn’t always practical, but this is where there is the most shade. That way your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool the outside air. Another option is planting trees and shrubs that will help keep it cool. That said, you will still need plenty of clearance around your unit. So keep two to three feet between the air conditioner and whatever you plant. - Clean Your Condenser Unit
Another good idea is to clear the outdoor unit of debris. Dead leaves, dirt, and trash can pile up over the off-season. Keeping your condenser unit clear will help improve performance because it can pull air faster and more efficiently. - Schedule Your Chores
Cooking, using the dishwasher, and using the clothes dryer can also produce a lot of radiant heat. During cooler weather, this isn’t so bad, and these tasks can serve double duty. But in the summer you don’t need your air conditioning working overtime. Reserve these chores for cooler times of day like the early morning or the evening. Or set a timer to have them run during the day while you are gone. You can adjust the thermostat to a higher temperature so it won’t kick on as often. - Schedule Regular Maintenance
Every year you should schedule a service check on your air conditioning in San Jose, CA. A professional technician will tune-up your system, making sure that it works at peak performance. These routine services will help improve efficiency and prolong the life of your air conditioning. It will also keep you ahead of major breakdowns so you are not without your air conditioning during the hottest part of the year. For more information call Pelle Heating & Air Conditioning at (669) 219-8957. Or visit 1045 N 10th St., San Jose, CA 95112 with any questions you have about your HVAC system.
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