5 Tips on How to Save Money on Air Conditioning Bill

During New Jersey summers, the daily temperature shoots up to the mid-80s. As a result, as the piercing sun makes your outdoor thermostat go up, you can’t help but turn your unit’s thermostat down. This leaves Jersey residents paying over $140 for electricity each humid month since the more you crank up your air conditioner, the higher the costs.

At Comfort Specialists, the leading air conditioning repair service in Morris County, NJ, we want you to spend your finances wisely. That means hiring our professional technicians for quality repairs and replacements along with product and service warranties. We’ll also advise on cost-effectiveness even when we’re not on-site.

Therefore, if you’re looking for how to save money on air conditioning bills this upcoming summer, consider our list below.

Deflect the Rays

When walking down the block on a hot summer day, you’ll probably want to switch to the shaded side of the street to keep the blistering sun off your back. Just like how the sun on your skin makes you feel more heated and tired, excessive UV rays on your home will increase your indoor temperature.

The sunlight reflecting on your windows is the most common way for excess heat to enter your home. About 76% of the sun’s warmth filters through the glass, giving your AC a run for its money. However, deflecting these rays is a simple process with meshes, solar screens, and curtains that further filter the sunlight.

Fortunately, there’s more you can do to keep the sun’s heat from entering your abode, which includes:

• Shading around your home with plush plants and tall trees that block direct sunlight, especially on the east and west where the sun rises and sets.
• Replacing your roof with asphalt, ceramic, concrete, or any other material that doesn’t absorb heat and then topping it off with a reflective coating to keep over 90% of heat from penetrating your roof.
• Placing slipcovers over your furniture to divert UV rays so darker cloth furniture won’t trap heat.

Limit the Amount of Heat You Produce

When considering how to save money on air conditioning bills, it’s not just outdoor heat you have to worry about. Each time you light up your stove, place a cake in the oven, or turn on your clothes dryer, you’re trapping artificial heat in your home. 

Instead of adding to your air conditioning bills by cranking down the thermostat, stave off unwanted air by firing up the grill or the outside kitchen unit, so the warmer air remains outdoors. Also, hang your laundry on a line to reduce heat in your home and lower your energy bills.

If you insist on cooking indoors, opt for the microwave, which produces less heat. Flipping on the exhaust fan on your stove will also filter out heat from your kitchen before it travels to other rooms in your house.

Count on Ceiling Fans

Since hot air rises, your upper floors and the area below your ceiling will usually be warmer than the rest of your home. Although they don’t have the cooling power of air conditioners, ceiling fans will help circulate indoor air and flush out hot, stagnant air.

Turning on ceiling fans on these higher floors while leaving windows around your home open will let the cool outdoor breeze in and allow high-humidity air to leave your residence. Operating fans in rooms you use will be more cost-effective while cooling your skin and evaporating perspiration.

Consider Changing Your Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are another effective way how to save money on air conditioning bills since these thermostats automatically adjust to suit your needs. For instance, if you’re not usually home on the weekdays, investing in a 5-2 programmable thermostat that has a cooler setting during the two-day weekend and a slightly warmer setting during the weekdays when you’re out will save you money by simply turning the thermostat up a few degrees.

Programmable thermostats also come in 7-day settings with seven different schedules, one-week settings with one set schedule for the week, and 5-1-1 settings for three unique schedules.

Smart thermostats, while they too are programmable, offer added comforts, including the ability to connect your thermostat to your mobile phone, laptop, tablet, or other electronic devices via WiFi. Your thermostat is always at your fingertips, making adjusting your home’s indoor climate easy as your daily plans change. Smart thermostats also learn your habits over time, automatically adjusting accordingly.

Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

While running your air conditioner at different temperatures according to your needs will help you save on electric bills, there’s no guarantee your AC unit won’t burn unnecessary energy. If you’re paying a high price for your unit, some causes could be:

• Your smaller unit is running excessively to reach your desired temperature.
• Your unit, which is too big for your home, is short cycling, meaning it’s turning on and off frequently.
• Your worn unit is forcing itself to work harder to produce quality air, which leads to recurring and costly repairs.

If your unit is new and adequately sized, proper maintenance will keep it in top condition. Replacing or cleaning dirty filters each season will allow optimal airflow, preventing your unit from overheating. Also, keep an eye out for alarming new developments, including weird noises, diminished energy output, and leaks of any sort.

Professional biannual maintenance will also put your system through a more detailed checklist, allowing experts to uncover minor problems before they become costly. It’s also ideal for how to save money on air conditioning bills.

The Specialists for Heating and Cooling Comfort

Before you search for “how to save money on air conditioning bill” online, consider your local New Jersey air conditioning experts.

For the best in Morris County, New Jersey, you need a knowledgeable team that respects your time, money, and family. At Comfort Specialists, we provide one-day scheduled and emergency repairs and never sell you what you don’t need. Visit our blog to  learn more about checking if your AC is running and other useful information about your cooling systems.

Call Comfort Specialists at 973-381-2726 for expert air conditioning services, or schedule an appointment online for $25 off your first visit!