22 Energy Saving Tips To Save You Money

Little changes that can add up to big savings on your annual cooling costs

With energy prices on the rise, these energy saving tips can amount to big savings on your cooling and heating expense. Energy costs in South Florida are 40% higher than the national average, according to EIA’s Residential Energy Consumption Survey. Your air conditioning system is responsible for up to 60% of your energy consumption in South Florida. With just a few simple changes to your lifestyle and your home, you could be saving hundreds of dollars on your annual energy bills.

1. Use ceiling fans to cool off for less. Ceiling fans use no more electricity than a standard light
   bulb. However, be sure to turn fans off when you leave the room.
2. Switch your ceiling fan to turn in a counter-clockwise direction In the summer; in the winter, run it at low speed, but clockwise.
3. Cool your home at 78 degrees or higher with the thermostat fan switched to auto. For additional savings, raise your thermostat to 82 degrees or higher when you’re away.
4. Install a programmable thermostat to adjust your temperature during the day.
5. Close your exterior doors and windows tightly when the AC is on. Save even more by turning off kitchen and bath exhaust fans.
6. Window tinting can help reduce room temperature in rooms that have a sunny exposure. Especially a south west exposure in late afternoon when the outside temperature is at its highest.
7. Clean or replace the A/C filter at least once per month to help your unit run more efficiently and trim cooling costs.
8. Consider purchasing an lifetime electrostatic air filter. It will do a better job of keeping your coil clean and trap allergens better than the thick hypoallergenic  disposable air filters that restrict air flow.
9. If you have an older air conditioner with a SEER rating of under 16, consider upgrading to a higher efficiency model. Not only will your AC be more efficient, you could also be eligible for a utility company rebate and Energy Star Federal Tax Credit. The higher the SEER rating, the more your will save. Consider a two stage or multi-stage AC unit for even more saving.
10. If you have a manual thermostat be sure the fan switch is set to “auto” to save energy. Leaving it in the “on” position keeps air running constantly.
11. Block the sun from overheating your home! Inside, use shades, blinds and drapes. Outside, use awnings, trees and shrubs..
12. Get a AC tune-up. Running an inefficient AC system can result in high monthly bills.
13. Open interior doors so that cooled air flows freely throughout your home.
14. Repair leaky ducts to reduce heating and cooling costs.
15. Install attic insulation to reduce high home cooling costs up to 20%. You’ll save money each month and may qualify for a rebate.
16. Check for household leaks to make sure air isn’t escaping through openings such as fireplace dampers, doors and windows. Make sure your weatherstripping is not allowing air to escape. If it is, replace it.
17. Decorate for a cooler home by hanging light-colored curtains that allow light to enter a room while blocking some of the sun’s rays, and light-colored paint to reflect heat.
18. Close unused air vents. If you have central AC you can close air vent and doors in rooms you’re not using so you’re not paying to cool them.
19. Plant trees to provide shade on the sunny side of your home. Use large potted plants that can provide adequate shade (Ficus Trees) if you have a patio apartment.
20. Install more ceiling fans. Because the breeze of a fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler, you can raise that thermostat and still stay comfortable.
21. When you have your roof replaced, go with a lighter color. The more reflective the color the lower your attic temperature. One study showed a 20 degree temperature difference in the attic when the homeowner changed from dark grey roof tiles to white.
22. Have your AC system evaporator coils cleaned, if needed. Restricted air flow will not only cause your air conditioning unit to freeze up, it will impact your cooling costs. An air conditioner with restricted air flow causes your air conditioner to work much harder and can potentially damage your air conditioner and reduce its lifespan.

Your comfort is our top priory.
Universal air and Heat is dedicated to providing the best air conditioning repair and installation service from South Florida to Tampa, Florida. We have become a leader in the air conditioning industry by consistently delivering outstanding customer service.

 We offer Free AC System Estimates and Free Service calls ($49 value) with repair.
Call Universal Air and Heat for all of your air conditioning and indoor air quality needs.

813-510-5667