5 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill During Summer

When summer hits Acadiana, your AC runs almost nonstop. That shows up fast on your Entergy bill. The good news is there are real steps you can take to bring those costs down without sacrificing comfort. Here are five that work.

1. Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat allows you to set different temperatures for different times of the day so you don’t have to keep your home as cool when you’re not there. In addition, you can control many models remotely, adjusting the temperature even when you’re not at home. A programmable thermostat keeps your energy bills in check during the hottest months.

2. Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans help circulate air and make your home feel cooler. Consequently, you don’t have to rely on the AC as much. If you have a room with a high ceiling, an overhead fan can help distribute heat more evenly, preventing hot and cold spots. In addition, ceiling fans use much less energy than air conditioners, and they can save you money on your overall energy usage.

3. Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation

Whenever possible, take advantage of natural ventilation to cool your home by opening windows and doors to let in the fresh air. That will help keep your house cool, but it can also help save you money on your utility bill. In addition, natural ventilation can improve air quality by allowing pollutants to escape from your home.

4. Invest in Solar Shades and Curtains

One of the easiest ways to keep your home cool during the summer is to use shades and curtains. These window coverings reflect sunlight away from your home, keeping it cooler. By blocking direct sun, you reduce the amount of heat that enters your space and lower your energy costs.

In addition, using shades and curtains protects your furniture and flooring from fading.

5. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Due to their inefficient design, incandescent light bulbs are quickly becoming a thing of the past. To lower your energy costs, switch to LED or CFL bulbs, which use less power and last longer.

Rely on the Pros

These tips all help, but the biggest factor is your AC system itself. A unit that’s dirty, low on refrigerant, or past its prime will burn through energy no matter what else you do. We’ve been helping Acadiana homeowners get more from their cooling systems since 1956. If your summer bills are climbing and you’re not sure why, call F & R Air Conditioning at (337) 893-5646 for an AC tune-up and we’ll pinpoint the problem.