It’s nice to have air conditioning during the hot Texas summers, but there can also be some sticker shock when you open your utility bill every month and see the cost of keeping your house cool. Fortunately, there are ways that you and an AC repair company in Conroe, TX, can keep your house feeling comfortable without blowing the budget. While the overall goal is to help your AC run more efficiently and less frequently in order to reduce costs, there are multiple ways you can do this. Here’s what you need to know.

Shade the House

Improving the shade around your house might not be the most immediate way to reduce cooling costs, but it is one of the most effective ways once you have established trees and shrubs around the home. A lot of the heat that comes into your home is from sunlight that hits the house directly. By shading the roof and windows, you can substantially block the sun to cool your house. It may not be cheap to purchase and install vegetation around your house, but in the long run, it can increase efficiency by 10% and reduce your utility bills over the years.,

Adjust the Thermostat

Adjusting the thermostat can also substantially increase energy efficiency. Even raising the temperature a degree or two could save you 5-10% since the AC won’t have to run nearly as long. Seventy-eight degrees is a very energy efficient setting without being too uncomfortable. If you want to take things one step further, you can replace the thermostat with a smart thermostat that will learn your habits so that the AC cools to the optimal temperature only when necessary.

Circulate the Air

Raising your thermostat won’t feel much warmer if you use fans to circulate the air throughout your home. The moving air will make the home feel cooler than it is so that a higher overall temperature will feel less noticeable.

Reduce Heat Transfer in Windows

A lot of heat comes through your windows, so if you have older windows, you may want to consider replacing them. However, if that’s not an option, think about installing window coverings like window films, screens, or blinds that are better at blocking out the sun to help keep your home cooler.

Avoid Additional Heat

Planning ahead for meals so that you can avoid adding heat to your home by using the oven is another great way to lower AC costs. The stove and oven can both substantially heat up the house, so consider using a slow cooker, the microwave, or an outdoor grill more often to avoid adding excess heat for your AC to remove.

Maintain the AC

Maintaining your AC is key to spending less on utility bills. Be sure to change the filter often and contact residential HVAC contractors for a yearly tune-up. This will allow the technician to identify any issues that may be reducing efficiency and ensure necessary adjustments can be made. Be sure to get repairs as needed because problems can substantially reduce efficiency and cause spikes in your energy bills.

Replace Your Unit

Finally, replacing your unit may not sound like a good way to save money, but older units use far more energy than newer models. If your unit is ten years old or more and you’re constantly dealing with AC repairs or high utility bills, consider calling Best Air Conditioning & Heating Co. to learn if AC repair in Conroe, TX, or replacement is your best option.