Hobaica’s How To’s
How-to Lower Your Energy Bill
The Valley’s unrelenting summer heat is upon us and the heat also can be unrelenting on your energy bill as well. What are some tricks of the trade to help save on your energy bill this summer?
Starts with Maintenance
It starts with maintaining your AC unit – simple, but can save you big time. Start with your AC filter – we recommend replacing every 4-6 weeks for standard disposable filters. For high-efficiency filters, replace every 3-6 months. Replacing your air filters will ensure your unit is not overworking and thus, lower operating costs with improved comfort.
We also recommend having a professional tune-up performed on you’re AC twice a year. When you get a tune-up, it’s a good idea to make sure the following are checked and performed:
- Make sure the outdoor coil is cleaned – we recommend having it cleaned twice a year.
- Clean the indoor coil once a year.
- Make sure the static pressure of your ducting system is checked.
- Check the refrigerant pressures, including subcool & superheat readings – this will ensure proper refrigerant charge for optimal efficiency & comfort.
- A visual inspection of attic ducting for condition & leakage.
One big misconception we see with many homeowners is their attempt to improve their indoor air quality without properly modifying their system. In these cases, the filters used to improve their indoor air quality prove to be more restrictive, which causes the AC to work much harder and can increase energy consumption by as much as 50%. The proper approach would be for an AC professional to inspect the system to first determine the best & most cost-effective approach.
Good Tips to File Away
Programmable thermostat – If you have a routine schedule, consider a programmable thermostat. It can save you money by offsetting the temperature in the house approximately 5-6 degrees when the home is vacant.
The 78 degree factor – We recommend not setting set your thermostat lower in the cooling mode than is comfortable – in fact, the average resident is comfortable at a setting of 78 to 80 degrees. For every degree that you lower your thermostat below 78 degrees, you end up increasing your electric consumption by 2% to 5%.
Windows & Shade Screens - Keep window blinds closed on the West side of your home during the afternoon. To take this to the next level, replace your window screens with energy efficient shade screens, which can provide up to a 25% savings on your energy bill.
Ceiling Fans – Use ceiling fans in rooms while occupied for improved comfort at a very minimal cost.
Fan position = important – In the summer, setting the fan to the “on” position will allow the indoor fan to run continuous, thus providing continuous circulation of air between cycles. This continuous circulation can provide a more even temperature throughout the home and allow many users to set their thermostat a degree or two higher while still remaining comfortable.
Pay attention to items near the thermostat - Do not place lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing devices near a wall-mounted thermostat. Heat from the equipment may cause the AC to over-cool your house, thinking that it is warmer than it actually is.
If you would like to speak with an HVAC expert about how to stay comfortable at the lowest cost, please feel free to get in touch with us at 602.995.0387 or visit www.hobaica.com.
Stay cool!
