5 Ways to Lower Your Summer Energy Bill
You can beat the heat in central Texas without going broke from high energy bills this summer.
With temperatures forecast in the 90s to 100s throughout the entire summer, you can bet that most of us in Round Rock will want to keep our central air conditioning or heat pumps on blast. But there are other ways to cool off while keeping electricity costs down.
Our expert technicians at AiRCO Mechanical assist customers throughout the Greater Austin area with their heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) needs. We will do everything we can to keep you and your family comfortable during the sizzling summer heat while helping you save money on your utility bill.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) issued its short-term energy outlook last month for summer 2022. It says Texans will use approximately 3.7 percent more electricity this summer than they did from June through August 2021.
The residential electricity price will increase by an estimated 1 percent in the state, and the typical summer electricity bill will be about $524 for three months, a 4.7 percent increase over last year. Let’s see if we can find ways to keep that money in your pocket.
Five Ways to Lower Your Summer Energy Bill in Round Rock
How can you maintain comfort this summer while lowering electricity bills? We compiled this short list of tips to stay cool without breaking the bank:
1. Upgrade your thermostat.
Spending money on a smart or programmable thermostat equals energy savings in the long run.
A thermostat with Wi-Fi capability enables you to control your central air conditioning or heat pump from anywhere with an app on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. You can program it to dial your cooling system back a few degrees when no one is at home. You can change the temperature in your Round Rock home on the fly while on the go.
Some smart thermostats even “learn” your temperature preferences, schedule, and other behavior patterns at home and automatically adjust comfort levels. They track energy use, monitor outdoor air quality, and display weather information.
Our qualified pros at AiRCO Mechanical can help you select the best thermostat to help you rein in energy costs this summer.
2. Change or clean your air filter.
Changing your air filter is a simple yet powerful strategy for keeping airflow strong and your HVAC equipment clean. Dirty air filters can cause your air conditioner to work harder, use more energy, and increase electricity bills.
Change your air filter every three months and inspect it monthly. A new air filter is part of every professional maintenance checkup. If you have not scheduled an air conditioner or heat pump tune-up, contact us at AiRCO Mechanical, and we will ensure your cooling system will run at peak efficiency this summer.
Our Smart Start Care preventative maintenance plans include a 40-point safety inspection and performance test, parts lubrication, condensate line cleaning, and condensate trap treatment. Join today and start enjoying discounts, priority service, friendly reminders, and other perks.
3. Upgrade your air conditioner.
If your air conditioner is more than 12 years old, consider upgrading to a new, high-efficiency unit that will save energy and lower your electricity bills. A two-stage air conditioner is a perfect choice for many homeowners in Round Rock.
A two-stage unit has two compressor speeds. It runs at peak capacity on hot days and 60 to 70 percent capacity on milder days. A two-stage system cools your home while running at a lower speed setting for a longer duration. The longer cycles effectively lower humidity and provide consistent cooling.
A single-stage compressor runs at full blast every time it starts. Frequent stopping and starting can reduce efficiency. Our qualified professionals at AiRCO Mechanical can walk you through the options available for the size of your home, your comfort needs, and your budget.
4. Use energy-saving lightbulbs.
Say goodbye to incandescent lightbulbs and hello to LEDs.
LED bulbs look just as bright but use fewer watts than incandescent lights. Lightbulbs certified by ENERGY STAR® use about 70 to 90 percent less energy and last 10 to 25 times longer.
5.Banish energy vampires.
Unplug any appliance or device that continues to suck electricity while on standby power.
Battery chargers, home electronics, coffee pots, and computers are among the products that use some electricity even when you are not operating them.
Plug home electronics into a power strip, making it easy to turn your DVD player, television, and electronic games on and off.
Make Energy Savings a Priority
AiRCO Mechanical has the solutions you need to beat the heat in your Round Rock, TX, home and save money. Call us at 512-537-1234 or request service online.