There’s no doubt that Charleston can see its fair share of extremely hot temperatures throughout the summer season. As a homeowner, the thought of looking at your next energy bill can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, by implementing the tips below, you can work to keep your household cooling bills in check this summer.
Get a Tune-Up
One of the best ways to set your air conditioner up for a successful season is to get routine maintenance service from one of our professional technicians. During this service, we’ll inspect, clean, and test all the internal components of your system to make sure everything is operating efficiently. This helps prevent breakdowns and reduces energy waste. Our Rudd Advantage Plan makes AC maintenance easier and more affordable, with priority scheduling, discounts, and other perks.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a must for complementing your air conditioner. Be sure to run them in a counterclockwise direction during the summer to create a wind-chill effect that cools your body. This can help you feel cooler, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room, since they cool people, not spaces.
Change Air Filters Regularly
Your AC filter plays a critical role in maintaining airflow and efficiency. When the filter becomes clogged, it restricts airflow, forcing your system to work harder to cool your home. This increases energy use and can wear down your system over time. Check your filter at least once a month and replace it as needed. Always keep a spare filter on hand so you’re ready when the time comes.
Invest in a New AC System
If your system is more than 10 to 15 years old, upgrading to a new, high-efficiency model can make a big difference. Newer systems offer significantly better SEER ratings, which translates to lower energy use and improved cooling performance. You’ll also enjoy peace of mind with a new warranty and reduced risk of mid-season breakdowns.
Seal Off Air Leaks
Air leaks around windows, doors, and outlets let hot, humid air into your home, which forces your AC to work harder. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaks and keep conditioned air where it belongs. Sealing these gaps is a low-cost project that can lead to noticeable energy savings.
Shut Out Direct Sunlight
Sunlight streaming through your windows can quickly heat up your home. Block this heat by closing blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day. You can also use UV-resistant window film or plant shade trees near sunny windows to reduce heat gain and protect your AC from overuse.
Get a Whole-Home Dehumidifier
Charleston’s high humidity levels can make indoor spaces feel warmer than they really are. That’s because sweat evaporates more slowly in humid air, making it harder for your body to cool itself. A whole-home dehumidifier keeps humidity in check so your home feels more comfortable even at a higher thermostat setting. It can also reduce the workload on your AC and help it run more efficiently.
Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a simple and affordable way to cut your cooling costs. These devices let you program temperatures for different times of day or adjust the settings remotely using your phone. Set the thermostat a few degrees higher while you’re away and lower it before you return for optimal comfort and savings.
Installing a thermostat with smart features also offer advanced options like learning technology, geofencing, and energy usage reports to help you track and reduce consumption even further.
Limit Heat-Producing Activities
Appliances like ovens, stoves, and dryers create indoor heat that your air conditioner has to combat. Try grilling outdoors, using the microwave, or cooking in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower. Hang-drying clothes or running your dryer at night can also help keep your home cooler during the day.
Use Exhaust Fans
Exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms help vent hot air and moisture outside instead of letting it linger indoors. Turning these fans on while cooking or showering helps prevent your air conditioner from having to work harder to cool and dehumidify the space.
Optimize Your Insulation
Proper insulation prevents heat from entering your home. Check your attic insulation at least once a year, especially before summer. If the insulation is below the floor joists, it’s time to add more. Ensuring you meet or exceed Charleston’s recommended R-value can make a significant difference in cooling efficiency.
Keep Attic Vents Open
Hot air can build up in your attic and transfer heat down into your home. Keep attic vents fully open during the summer to allow that hot air to escape. This helps reduce the temperature in your attic and eases the load on your air conditioner.
Professional AC Maintenance Service
Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air proudly offers AC maintenance for homeowners in Charleston, SC. Whether you need a seasonal tune-up, a full system replacement, or expert repairs, our HVAC technicians are here to help.
Call Rudd Plumbing Heating and Air today to schedule service and get your cooling system ready for the Charleston summer.
