As we near the end of summer, we’re still contending with temperatures in the 90 degree region. As a result, we are using our air conditioners for the majority of the day, every day. This puts a lot of strain on your electricity, which is probably reflected on your summertime utility bills. The good news is, there are a number of ways in which you can save energy, and thus reduce your electric bills. We’ve cited a few examples below.

This is a task that should be done at least on a yearly basis—bi-annually if you have a heat pump. You’ll hear some companies tell you that you can or should only have AC maintenance done before the cooling season begins. The truth is however, that AC maintenance can be done at any time of the year (though it is true that HVAC technicians are busier and harder to schedule at peak temperatures).

Preventive maintenance allows our technicians to fully inspect and clean your AC system, and make recommendations for any repairs that might be needed. When your system is effectively cleaned and repaired, it performs more efficiently, and therefor doesn’t use up as much energy as it normally would.

The Department of Energy estimates that 75% of the electrical use by your electronics occurs when those electronics are actually not in use. While there may only be a small amount of electricity used by each component, it adds up. We recommend that you plug each of your electronics into a power strip, and then when they aren’t in use, turn the power strip off.

This is a maintenance task that you can do on your own, at least every 3 months while your system is in use. If you have significant contaminants in your home, such as pet dander or cigarette smoke, then you should up this to once a month. If your air filters are clean, then your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard or run as long to do its job, which means it won’t be using up as much energy as usual.