100 Degrees Outside, 80 Inside
Air conditioner use in Dallas this summer could be expensive. Cooling your home accounts for roughly 13 percent of your annual energy bill. With another scorching summer on its way, residents naturally want ways to keep their Dallas energy bills low. And reducing your AC use during the summer is a great way to save on your monthly energy bills.
Here are a few tips that will help you reduce your Air conditioner use in Dallas while staying comfortable in your home.
What’s the Best Temperature for Air Conditioning?
Limiting comfortable temperatures during certain times of the day (evenings, nights, and early mornings) when you are home is a quick start to reducing AC use. How high you should set your thermostat during the day? If you’re home during the day, the Public Utility Commission of Texas recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. And they note that you can expect your energy use to rise between 6 – 8 percent for each degree of cooling below that.
Reduce Air Conditioner Use with a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are a brilliant way to cut down on air conditioning use over the summer. With a smart thermostat, you have the power to choose when your AC will turn off and on. Set higher temperatures when you’re not home or inactive at night to energize your savings.
Doing this manually can be an inconvenience. That’s why smart thermostats allow you to set it and forget it. Newer models even offer suggested temperatures to maximize your air conditioner’s effectiveness while minimizing AC use. If you don’t already have one in your home, there are many smart thermometer plans in Dallas that will provide you with one for signing up.
Perform Regular Air Conditioner Maintenance
Think of your home AC unit like your car. Without regular maintenance, it will run less efficient. Reduce AC use by scheduling regular checkups. Some maintenance you can even do yourself.
- Clean and change your air filters regularly. Dirty and clogged filters can severely impair the efficiency of your air conditioner. Be sure to clean and replace them as required. Experts recommend changing your HVAC filter every 1 – 6 months depending on the type of filter.
- Keep areas around vents clear. Obstructed air intakes can force your AC to run longer, costing you more. Keep areas around vents clear to remain efficient.
- Schedule professional maintenance. A professional HVAC repair person will be trained to evaluate your home AC system. And they can provide repairs and other suggestions to optimize the air conditioning in your home.
AC repair can be costly. That’s why some Dallas electricity providers offer AC protection plans. These plans will help ensure the cost of repairing and replacing your AC unit while you’re signed up with the plan.
Replace Your Dated AC Unit with a new Air Conditioner
Another great way to save on your Texas energy bill is to replace your existing air conditioning unit. Energy Star recommends replacing air conditioners once they’re between 10 – 15 years old. Older units are far less energy efficient than new ones. Depending on what type of new air conditioner you choose, you could receive a tax credit of up to 10 percent for qualified energy-efficient home improvements from the federal government.
Rely on Airflow to Reduce AC Use in Dallas
When it comes to reducing your air conditioner use in Dallas , simply turning off your air conditioner on chilly nights and cool summer days can help. Use fans to help circulate air through your home. And only open up your home during cooler parts of the day (evenings and at night) to help keep your house comfortable.
Compare Electricity Companies in Texas
Cutting back on Air conditioner use in Dallas is just one way to reduce your monthly electricity bill. But if you’re looking for other ways to cut your energy bills, then you need to shop for energy providers. Finding low rates in the ONCOR area begins with comparing for the best electricity companies in your area. Visit www.TexasElectricityRatings.com to see how we make shopping for and switching to a new Dallas energy provider easy for you.