Energy saving tips for summer help cut monthly costs. That’s the good news. The even better news is that many of the same tips help your home stay more comfortable too. Recent data show that average summer temperatures in North America are creeping upward. It’s important to respond to the trend by making your home more energy efficient. In most cases, this doesn’t require major replacements or refurbishing. Here are some energy saving tips for summer that are doable in most homes:

• Schedule air-conditioning system preventive maintenance. When it’s provided by a qualified HVAC contractor, regularly scheduled maintenance every six months ensures that your heating and cooling system meets manufacturer specs for efficiency and performance and is one of the most essential energy saving tips. This means lower costs for you and a more comfortable indoor environment. HVAC system preventive maintenance is required to comply with the terms of the manufacturer’s warranty.
• Remember the air filter. A dirty HVAC filter can increase monthly cooling costs by at least 15%. A totally clogged filter can cause serious, costly damage to AC components. Ask your HVAC contractor about the best choice for filter replacement and the proper schedule for replacement.
• Choose efficient temperatures. Studies show that setting your thermostat at 78 degrees while the house is occupied provides the best balance of indoor comfort and system efficiency. Each degree above that setting increases energy consumption by more than 5%. While the home is unoccupied during daytime hours, program a higher temperature. Shutting off the AC entirely when no one’s home tends to overheat the house and may consume excess energy when you try to cool it down again.
• Shut out the sun. Solar energy entering through windows is a major contributor to indoor heat. Close blinds and curtains in daytime.
• Use ceiling fans to augment air conditioning. Circulating air with a ceiling fan makes rooms feel about 4 degrees cooler without actually lowering the thermostat setting. Energy-efficient ceiling fans consume a fraction of electricity compared to a central AC unit.

For more energy saving tips for summer, contact the cooling professionals at Jackson & Sons.