7 Tips to Lower Your Cooling Bills

As a Wisconsin homeowner, you are no stranger to brutal heat waves. Last month, you likely used your cooling system to the max.

Although the recent heat dome that baked the Midwest has moved on, high temperatures will return throughout the summer and will significantly increase your electricity expenses.

Will you enjoy a comfortable summer with an energy-efficient air conditioner that lowers your cooling bills?

Or are you resigned to high utility costs? 

7 Cooling Tips to Save Money

Fortunately, you do not have to choose between your comfort and budget. Midwest Heating & Cooling has your back with strategies to help your Waterford home stay cool through even the hottest days to come.

Our expert team has provided heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services for over 20 years in Southeastern Wisconsin. We pride ourselves on maintenance, repair, and HVAC unit replacement. 

We can help you beat the heat, curb energy consumption, and keep energy costs low this summer. Start saving money with these tips:

1. Cooling System Maintenance

Your air conditioner or heat pump will operate more efficiently when clean, lubricated, and tuned up. Schedule a maintenance visit to ensure your cooling system is ready for the next heat wave.  Our pros will thoroughly inspect your HVAC equipment and correct issues before they lead to a breakdown and higher utility bills.

You will get the most out of annual HVAC tune-ups with our maintenance plan that offers priority scheduling, repair warranties, discounts on service fees, and more.

2. Use Clean Air Filters

Dirty air filters restrict airflow and struggle to trap contaminants as they become clogged with dust and debris. Restricted airflow can cause your cooling system to overheat and break down. Contaminants that bypass a clogged air filter can circulate through your home and reduce indoor air quality (IAQ).

Any time your cooling system struggles to do its job, it uses more energy and increases your utility bills. The best way to avoid stressing your AC or heat pump is to inspect your filter monthly and replace it when it is dirty. Follow manufacturer advice on the size and efficiency rating of filters compatible with your HVAC unit.

3. Upgrade for Energy Efficiency

Replacing your outdated cooling system costs you upfront but will lower month-to-month utility bills and end frequent repair bills.

If your AC or heat pump is nearing the end of its lifespan, it likely has lost efficiency and is using more energy to cool your Waterford home. Although a central air conditioner or air-source heat pump can last 15 to 20 years if maintained. However, a maintained, outdated unit will not operate as efficiently as a new, high-efficiency system.

Why not let one of our Midwest Heating & Cooling professionals recommend one of our Midwest Signature Series air conditioners or heat pumps for your home?

You can get a feel for how much money you will save when you upgrade by checking out our SEER2 energy savings calculator. It demonstrates that you can cut your energy costs in half by upgrading from a 10 SEER to a 19 SEER unit. The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures cooling system efficiency. Higher numbers indicate better efficiency. 

You can change the SEER ratings in the calculator to see how the unit in your home compares to newer, high-efficiency replacements.

4. Install a Smart Thermostat

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says you can save as much as 10 percent on heating and cooling bills by dialing the thermostat back by 7° to 10° Fahrenheit.

It is recommended that you keep your house warmer when you are not home in the summer. If you own a standard thermostat, you must be on hand to adjust it. If you upgrade to a smart thermostat, you can make temperature changes remotely through an app on your smartphone or program changes on a daily, weekly, or weekend schedule.

Some smart thermostats use home occupancy, heating and cooling preferences, and other data to adjust the temperature automatically, so you never have to touch the device.

5. Install a Ceiling Fan

Like any other fan, a ceiling fan creates a draft of air that feels cool on your skin. It does not remove heat from the air and exhaust it outdoors like an AC system or heat pump.  However, a ceiling fan supports your AC or heat pump by helping to distribute cool air and improve airflow. You can run both and may find that the fan helps reduce cooling system use.

The DOE says you can increase the thermostat by 4° Fahrenheit without reducing comfort if you run a ceiling fan counterclockwise in the summer. That saves energy and money on your cooling bills!

6. Use Blinds, Curtains Strategically

Be aware of sun exposure in your Waterford home. Close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day to block sunlight that can heat your home. Pay special attention to south-facing windows.

Consider applying solar films to windows to block ultraviolet (UV) rays from entering your home.

7. Cook When It Is Cool

Your oven and cooktop heat the kitchen and cause your cooling system to work harder. Save your baking and frying skills for cool temperatures. In warm weather, opt for an outdoor barbecue.

Start Saving on Cooling Bills Today!

Schedule a consultation with a Midwest Heating & Cooling pro and stay cool this summer in your Waterford, WI, home. Call us at 414-209-4668 or request service online.