Some HVAC Tips to Save on Your Energy Bill in Phoenix
While winters in Phoenix have quite comfortable temperatures, summers bring long, hot, and dry months that might seem never-ending. Over time, combating the heat can produce high utility bills, but there are ways to minimize them. In this article, we'll show you how to do just that.
How old is your HVAC unit?
After 10 or 15 years, air conditioners aren't very energy efficient. Such units might require repair more often and may end up providing a weaker cooling effect than what's suggested by the energy bill.
Replacing the HVAC unit for a newer model will certainly seem costly at first. However, if you choose a modern device with a SEER or Energy Star Rating, it will be worthwhile in the long run. HVAC units are designed for energy efficiency and can save up to 50% on energy bills, amounting to hundreds of dollars yearly. Compared to the estimated cost of regular repairs to the old HVAC, this price might not look that high after all.
Get a programmable thermostat
Again, this is an investment that will pay off in time. A programmable thermostat will make sure that your HVAC unit is only working when it needs to be. Based on the model, you can set it to follow your schedule, adjust the temperature separately for each room, and maintain an exact specified temperature.
There's less need for cooling in the evening and during the night, and no reason at all for the HVAC unit to work while nobody's home. Thus, a programmable thermostat can be set on a timer for all these circumstances. Even not having to continually switch the unit on and off will significantly reduce the energy bills.
Maintain the HVAC unit, air filters, and vents
Dirt, dust, and debris caught in any part of the air conditioning setup can make the unit less energy-efficient and increase the monthly energy costs by a staggering 30%.
The air filters catch impurities of all kinds. It's recommended to change them monthly when the HVAC unit is in use. Aside from the additional cost that a dirty filter brings, it may block the airflow, making the unit less efficient overall. Clogged air filters can also lead to health concerns.
The outside box of your HVAC units can catch various debris that can even get in the coils. This can lead to subpar performance and even cause permanent damage to the unit, so it's recommended to clean the coils annually. In particular, make sure that the outside box is clean and ready to work before the summer season starts.
Clean vents are, of course, better for your health than dirty ones. It's essential to check if all vents are open in the summertime – sometimes they are accidentally closed or left that way after winter. For maximum efficiency, make sure that all the vents are functioning correctly, and they'll complement all other improvements we've described in a very cost-efficient way.
911 Heating, Cooling and Plumbing can service all commercial and residential HVAC and plumbing needs. Call 602-795-2900 today!