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BBB St. Louis has tips to help consumers save money on air conditioning this summer or find a good contractor for a tune-up.
It's tempting to blast the AC in the muggy summer heat, but for many, running the AC at full tilt all day is cost-prohibitive. Air conditioners consume a lot of energy, accounting for six percent of the nation’s electricity use and costing homeowners, accounting for six percent of the nation’s electricity use and costing homeowners a collective $29 billion annually.
Luckily, there are steps you can take at home to help keep your cooling bills down during heat waves. A little housekeeping can go a long way toward reducing your costs – and for bigger repairs, maintenance, or replacements, you can find a reliable contractor at BBB.org.
BBB’s tips for keeping your cool this summer:
- Insulate properly. Prepare for the heat by ensuring window AC units are installed snugly and insulate any gaps around them. Check your AC ducts for proper insulation (or find a trustworthy contractor at BBB.org to help you). Weather-strip your doors and windowsills to keep cool air inside the house where it belongs.
- Keep it clean. The U.S. Department of Energy says that cleaning or replacing your air conditioner’s filters every month or two during hot months can lower the unit’s energy consumption by 5-15%—saving you money! Also, check and clean your evaporator coil annually and trim back any branches or plants that might be limiting airflow.
- Keep the air flowing. Ceiling fans and window fans use far less energy than central AC. They can help you cool your home without turning down your thermostat.
- Don’t run it if you don’t need it. Turn it off at night or open windows on cooler days to save money and help your AC cool more effectively. If you'll be away from home all day, you may wish to set the thermostat at a slightly higher temperature.
- Use temporary window reflectors. In extreme heat, installing reflective materials between your curtains and windows can help keep temperatures down. Drawing the curtains will also help keep your home cool.
- Stay on top of repairs and maintenance. An annual AC inspection in the spring may help prevent issues from popping up later in the summer. Visit BBB.org to see BBB Business Profiles, customer reviews and complaint history for local HVAC companies and contractors who can help keep your AC in good shape. Always confirm that the company or contractor is licensed and insured.
- Get multiple quotes. Get at least three estimates for any air conditioning repair, maintenance, or replacement. All bids should be in writing and fully describe the services and materials to be used. You can use BBB’s Get a Quote service to request quotes from trusted Accredited Businesses.
- Consider switching to a high-efficiency unit. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that switching to a high-efficiency air conditioner can reduce its energy use by 20-50% – which means you’ll save on cooling costs. Some models are also eligible for a tax credit. Industry groups like the Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute and the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers provide appliance ratings and other tips. Your HVAC contractor can help you find energy-efficient options and provide the Manufacturer Certification Statement for any equipment you purchase.
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