Cool Your Home & Electric Bill This Summer

Posted: July 6, 2018 at 5:53 am

If you’re like most central Florida residents, more than 50 percent of your power bill goes into air conditioning your home during the peak summer months. So properly maintaining your home’s HVAC air conditioning system and operating it efficiently can make a big impact on your power costs.

At Peace River Electric Cooperative, we want to help you maximize your comfort and bring your costs down at the same time. For your convenience, we’ve provided some air conditioner energy-saving tips below.

Use a programmable thermostat

Set your programmable thermostat to match your weekly schedule. It will automatically raise the temperature in your home while you’re away and bring it back into your comfort zone before you return. Do this and you’ll save about $180 a year. To maximize savings, keep it set at 78 degrees or above.

Change the air filter

Check your air filter monthly. Change it every three months – sooner if it looks dirty. A clogged filter reduces air flow, making your a/c system work harder. A dirty filter increases dirt buildup in the system, which can lead to expensive repairs or replacement.

Have your HVAC system checked

Keep your HVAC system healthy by scheduling a yearly checkup by a qualified technician. You’ll enjoy energy savings and cool comfort. Need help finding a reputable HVAC contractor? Ask your friends or neighbors to recommend one.

Seal your ductwork

Leaky ducts can be big energy wasters. Properly sealing and insulating ducts can improve efficiency by 20 percent or more. Use mastic to seal ductwork seams and connections, then wrap them with insulation for maximum savings.

Consider replacing your HVAC system

If your air conditioner is at least 10 years old or can no longer perform efficiently, consider replacing it with an energy efficient model. Choose an ENERGY STAR qualified system and save about $200 a year. Buy a unit with a high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating. The higher the number, the greater your savings. We recommend a minimum 14 SEER rating.

Whenever you have energy efficiency questions, call PRECO’s Energy Services Department at 1-800-282-3824. We’re here to serve you.

From the desk of Randy Shaw, PRECO CEO