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Stay Cool & Save Money

We all want to find ways to stay cool and not break the bank during a Texas summer, aka March to November. Not only is it important for household budgets, it’s also reasonable to reduce the demand on the power grid when possible.

Dillard Drake and Bubba Wampler at Liberty Air share some great information and suggest, if you do nothing else, focus on these items for maximum impact: Test your HVAC unit (55 percent of your monthly cost) with a digital thermometer, and schedule a tune-up if needed.

Check your HVAC air filters monthly and replace them when needed. If your air is not getting cooler or you hear an unusual noise when the air is moving through them, it is time to replace them. Clogged filters force the system to work harder to move air. Cleaning the condenser keeps your air conditioner in good condition so it works at an optimal level. A toothbrush will help with all the hard-to-reach places. Bubba says, "Use the arrival of your electric bill as a monthly reminder that it's time to clean the condenser again." Clean debris on top of and around your unit that may be blocking air flow and, if possible, install a shade of some kind to diminish the amount of solar heat that adds to the cooling workload. It may sound counter-intuitive, but it is better to use your A/C consistently at a slightly lower temperature than blasting it for shorter periods of time. Leave interior doors open to help the HVAC balance the temperature throughout the home. Take advantage of your HVAC's energy efficiency settings. Chances are, Dillard and Bubba add, your air conditioner has settings you've never even used that can improve overall efficiency and help reduce energy consumption. "Dig out your user manual to see what your system offers, or if you're in the market for a new one, make sure you do your research before making a decision."  Use a dehumidifier. These promote air circulation in the home. Air conditioners not only generate cooler air, but they also remove moisture from the air which makes it feel cooler. Dehumidifiers are great partners for air conditioners since they both work to remove moisture-laden air. The dehumidifier will create dry air and therefore reduce work for the AC unit as it works to cool the air.

 Make good use of ceiling fans and raise your thermostat a few degrees. Every degree warmer can save as much as 6 percent on your bill. Turn the fan off when leaving the room— air circulation makes people feel cooler but does not need to cool the furniture in an empty room.

Window awnings can reduce the solar heat that enters your home by up to 65 percent on south-facing windows and 77 percent on west-facing windows. Studies show medium-colored draperies with white-plastic backings can reduce heat gains by 33 percent. Also, hang your curtains as close to the window as possible.