Saving on Air Conditioning Costs

May is halfway over, and June is looming, along with the rising temperatures that go along with summer. If you have had a more difficult year financially, you are probably looking for ways to save money everywhere you turn, especially when it comes to your home. With summer on the horizon, here are some tips to help you save money on air conditioning costs. Whether or not your wallet is feeling tighter, these tips will help make your air conditioner be more efficient in the long run.

1. Use Mother Nature and plant some trees or shrubs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if you shade your air conditioning unit, it will work about 10% more efficiently. So go green and stay cool!

2. Curtains can help! It's always said during wintertime that the you lose a lot of heat through your windows. Well, a lot of heat tries to enter through your windows in the summertime. If your windows have curtains, they can help shield the inside of your home from the the sun's rays (and heat).

3. Keep the temperature up. Setting your thermostat around 78 degrees Fahrenheit will save you in energy costs as well. This easy one will save you about 10% off your bill.

4. Use those fans! Ceiling fans are meant to be used! Turn those on and let them do their job of circulating the cooler air through your home.

5. Keep your unit maintained. When it comes to faulty equipment, a less efficient AC can result in a higher electric bill. Hire a professional to clean out the filter and make sure that it is level. Yes, an AC unit that is not sitting on level ground can be less efficient.

6. Get a new, more energy-efficient unit. This tip definitely has a higher upfront cost, but in the long run, it will save you money. Air conditioning units from decades ago are probably not working nearly as efficiently as newer models.

Don't be caught without proper cooling this summer! If you are concerned about the health of your commercial or residential HVAC system, give Shakley Mechanical a call! We have HVAC maintenance services provided in the Mansfield and Ashland areas, and surrounding communities.

Comments

Outdoor Plumbing Maintenance

Often times we think about the plumbing inside of our house but what about outside of our home? Sure, chances are the outdoor parts of your home don't have as many outdoor plumbing fixtures, but they are just as important. Fall brings a few important things to do to protect the integrity of your outdoor plumbing. Many times they get overlooked until just before winter, until there's an issue, or missed completely. We want to make sure your outdoor plumbing is taken care of though.

1. Outdoor Faucets -- Outdoor faucets are one of the most prone to freezing which can lead to bigger issues with the plumbing inside your house. Switching the water supply off and draining the pipe can prevent water from laying there and freezing. Covering the faucets with styrofoam for insulation also protects them. You can pick up foam faucet igloos at most hardware and home improvement stores.

2. Hoses -- Proper storage of garden and garage hoses can help them last longer. By leaving water lay in…

Common Plumbing Emergencies

As a homeowner, we know it’s scary facing anything that could potentially damage your home. Knowing what problems are common for others can help you quickly identify the issues your home may have and call a professional to repair them. Emergencies are never a good thing, however, plumbing emergencies are even worse.
Clogged Drain A clogged drain; whether it’s in the shower, sink, or basement floor, is probably the MOST common plumbing issue you can have. Usually, you can easily fix this problem yourself using a snake or clog dissolving product. However, if the issue persists it may be best to contact a plumber.
Clogged Toilet The toilet is probably the most used plumbing fixture in any home, so it’s understandable that toilet issues would be common based on use. DIY toilet fixes can be helpful in a pinch, but a persistent issue can lead to leaks, water damage, or sewage backups.
Leaks A leaky faucet or any other fixture may seem like a small problem at the beginning. A couple drops of wate…

Winter Home Readiness

While we're enjoying the final warm days of summer, it's important to think about the looming cool temperatures. We like to remind homeowners to switch their home furnace on before it's time to need it, even just for a few hours. This lets you know everything is in working order, and time to fix anything that isn't quite right. Sure, you'll be able to tell if it's putting out warm air but there's much more to check before winter sets in.

There are a few things that should ideally be done before switching your furnace on for a trial run.

1. Change your filters - You'll want to be sure your furnace has new filters for its sake, and your own. A clean filter ensures that excess dust and dirt particles don't make their way into your furnace causing build-up. They also help keep dirt, dust, and other airborne allergens out and keep your air quality high. Filters should be changed continually ever 2-3 months during use.

2. Clean the furnace - Cleaning are…

Shakley Mechanical

Search This Blog