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Lower Summer AC Costs With These Easy Tips

Piggy bank with cash and coins on a desk, representing financial management for City Plumbing's cost-saving tips.

3 Ways to Stay Cool While Spending Less Money

As energy prices rise and the summers get hotter, many people are looking for ways to reduce their utility bills or keep them close to what they were. This concern affects everyone who has to pay bills, but there are a few simple things that one can do to help make the coming summer heat a little more bearable.

Work Smarter, Not Harder: The Smart Thermostat

smart thermostatThermostats are the rudder of the ship that is an HVAC system. Adjusting the thermostat can save energy or waste it needlessly. This is a reason to invest in either a smart or programmable thermostat.

A programmable thermostat is one that an individual can set to a certain temperature at certain times; a smart thermostat, on the other hand, is connected to an app on the owner’s smartphone and can learn patterns of the individuals in the home to make the energy usage more efficient.

Below are a few reasons to invest in a programmable or smart thermostat.

  • Budget-Friendly: A new thermostat is less expensive than replacing a whole HVAC system. If the existing HVAC still works, it is an inexpensive upgrade that can pay for itself.
  • User-Friendly: Most thermostats are easy to use and provide feedback on a home’s energy usage. They provide energy savings as well as peace of mind.
  • Eco-Friendly: Conserving energy doesn’t just help reduce utility bills; it also helps the planet.

Cut the Drafts with Weatherstripping

Even if an air conditioner is functioning at its most efficient, the house itself may be working against it. This is especially true in older homes that may not seal as well as newer ones. This is where weatherstripping comes in. Weatherstripping is a flexible foam or rubber tape that one can place along the open edges of windows and door frames to seal any gaps that allow outside air into the home.

Benefits of weather stripping include the following things that are even beyond contributing to the efficiency of a home’s air conditioning:

  • Minimizes insect pests
  • Keeps humidity at bay
  • Helps in noise reduction

Pump Up the Fun, Not the Air Conditioning

ceiling fanEvery homeowner knows that the electric bill is mostly taken up by the cost of running the air conditioning. One of the simplest ways to assist with a home’s cooling costs is to turn on the ceiling fans. Fans rotating in a counterclockwise motion create a downdraft that will make a home feel cooler.

Turning the thermostat up when the house's inhabitants are gone and allowing fans to do most of the work can reduce energy expenditure. Homeowners should verify that their fans are rotating in the right direction (counterclockwise) for the summer so they are not counteracting the AC system.

About City Plumbing

For nearly 20 years, the multiple-award-winning City Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning have worked to turn the home improvement nightmares of the greater Philadelphia, PA, area into pipe dreams. They offer 24/7 emergency service and flat-rate pricing. Call them today to schedule an annual HVAC maintenance check.

Recognize Earth Day in These 3 Ways

Two hands holding a colorful globe, representing care for the planet, relevant to City Plumbing's environmental initiatives.

Make the Home Eco-Friendly for Earth Day

There are many advantages of an eco-friendly home that homeowners may not even know about. One of the main benefits is energy conservation. Another benefit to an eco-friendly home is that it makes for a cleaner and healthier environment and can increase the home's property value. Individuals looking for new homes in this age are looking for the best technology they can get, including eco-friendly appliances such as dishwashers, showerheads, and solar panels. 

Embrace the Fresh Air

Natural ventilation is a fantastic way to save energy. Open up some windows and allow the fresh air to make its way through the home. Opening a window for just five minutes each day can decrease the concentration of pollutants in the air, even in cold weather. It can also help get rid of stale air. Stale air doesn't contain as much oxygen as fresh air from outside does. Additionally, by opening a window and allowing a breeze in, there's a minimal need to run an air conditioner or ceiling fan. 

Indoor Plants for Purityplants

Homeowners may not realize it, but their homes could be filled with VOCs. These are volatile organic compounds found in cleaners, paints, disinfectants, and air fresheners. These compounds can negatively impact their health. 

Some suggest that bringing houseplants into the home can clean the air. In 1989, there was a report done that suggested plants removed indoor air pollution. It was conducted as part of the NASA Clean Air Study. 12 different plant species were placed in sealed chambers, including ficus, peace lily, mother-in-law's tongue, and other plants. They tested three VOCs by placing them in the chamber with the plants. After 24-hours, 10-70 percent of the VOCs were gone. 

 

Maintain Filters and AC Units

ac

Maintaining the home's AC unit and filters can keep the bad air out and the good air in. Clogged filters are easy to change, but if they aren't changed when they need to be, they can cause the whole HVAC system to malfunction and even fail, costing even more money. 

The AC unit should be inspected every Spring when the warm weather begins. An HVAC technician can come out and do the inspection. They will clean the fins of the AC unit, clean the area around it, make sure it's level, clean the evaporator coil and drain, and change the blower filter. Having a clean AC unit can ensure the home's whole HVAC system is running well. The maintenance should also include duct cleaning every 3-5 years to rid them of dust and bacteria build-up. 

About City Plumbing

City Plumbing is a respected company in Philadelphia, PN. They've been in business for nearly two decades and use the latest technology. They offer flat-rate pricing, 24/7 service, a satisfaction guarantee, and they never hire subcontractors. Contact them to schedule routine AC maintenance today!