Summers in Monroe, LA are often hot and muggy, punctuated by sudden showers. This probably means you’ll want to lower the temperature in your home quite a bit just to escape the oppressive heat outside. However, doing so could raise your energy bill significantly. If you want to stay comfortable and reduce your cooling costs, follow these tips.
1. Keep Your AC at About 78 Degrees Fahrenheit
When temperatures approach 100 degrees or higher and the humidity feels overbearing, you might be tempted to set your air conditioner to around 72 degrees. Instead, you might want to get used to your home being slightly warmer. Try backing off on your AC to around 78 degrees. You can save about 3% on your energy bill for every degree that you raise your thermostat.
2. Have Ceiling Fans to Help Circulate Cool Air
If your thermostat is at 78 degrees Fahrenheit and you still don’t feel cool enough, turn on your ceiling fans. Your ceiling fans will help circulate the cool air in your rooms. They won’t lower the temperature, but the wind-chill effect will make the room feel cooler. If you don’t have a ceiling fan in every room, you can always purchase portable fans.
3. Change Your Air Filters Regularly
Filters can get clogged quickly over the summer since your AC is always on. A clogged filter forces your AC to work harder to maintain the same temperature. This kind of strain on the AC system raises your energy bills. Make sure to change your air filter every two to three months. If you have pets that shed a lot, you might want to consider changing your filter every month. At the very least, check your filter monthly to see whether it needs to be changed.
4. Make Sure Your AC Is Prepared for the Summer
Before the humidity in Monroe sets in, call our technicians for a tune-up of your AC. They’ll inspect it to make sure that it’s prepped for the summer. An inefficient air conditioner will have to work harder to cool down your home. This, in turn, will raise your energy bill. Our technicians will make sure that your evaporator and condenser coils are clear of any debris. They will also lubricate parts and replace any worn-out parts.
The summer is when your air conditioner sees the most wear and tear. When you need air conditioner services, such as installation, repair, or maintenance, contact our team at Gordon AC & Plumbing. We offer 100% free estimates as well as on-site consultations.
