Living in Arizona has its own special challenges, especially when the thermometer soars and you need to start thinking about air conditioning repair in Phoenix. Energy costs are constantly climbing, and all of us would like to lower our bills. So, what guzzles the most power in the average Arizona home, and how can you live greener?
AC and Heating Systems
The biggest energy item is heating and cooling, which usually represents about half of your bill. Needless to say, most of that is cooling – not only is it more energy intensive to cool than heat, but Arizona’s summers are among the hottest in the country. The second largest energy consumer is swimming pool pumps. If you don’t have one, then it’s your water heater.
So, the biggest thing to address is cooling and heating. The easiest way to make your air conditioning system more effective is to change the air filter regularly – depending on your system’s requirements and the type of filter used – especially when the system is under the extreme strain caused by the desert summer. Before the hottest weather arrives, it is wise to have your AC system checked out to make sure everything is working the way it should be. When your AC is on, windows and doors should stay closed – there’s no point to cooling the outdoors, except wasting money.
Don’t Neglect Your Home’s Insulation
Good insulation stops heat transfer in both directions. Also, make sure your windows, door frames and sill plates are properly caulked. Blinds should be closed during the day in summer and open at night — and the reverse during the winter.
Consider Upgrading Your Pool Pump
About that pool pump – consider upgrading to a variable-speed pump, which uses less energy and is also quieter. Cover pools when not in use as a 450-square foot pool will evaporate about 4,000 gallons of water annually. Unless the manufacturer says otherwise, a water heater insulation jacket can reduce the water heater’s energy use by 10-12 percent.
A few more energy saving tips:
- Install low flow showerheads and don’t let hot water run while shaving or washing dishes.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with lower energy, long-lasting fluorescents or LEDs lasting (remember, do not use fluorescents with dimmer switches as this reduces their life substantially).
- Use an outdoor grill rather than the oven broiler pan in the summer as this keeps heat out of your kitchen.
- Run dishwashers and laundry machines at full capacity, or as close to full as possible.
- Turn off lights and appliances when not using them.
Want More Ways to Save? Contact Day & Night Air Today!
It is well worth going through your home and working out what you can do to make everything more energy efficient. As cooling guzzles the most energy, consider having your air conditioning system checked by Day & Night Air. We can seal your ducts, make repairs, and advise on just how much energy and money you could save by upgrading your equipment. You need to stay cool during those summer months, so learn how to do it for less!