5 Energy-Saving AC Tips for Every Family
When the Florida sun turns up the dial, things heat up fast. On the Suncoast – from Englewood to Sarasota, Venice to North Port and everywhere in between – summer brings long days, thick humidity and nonstop AC use.
Fortunately, staying cool doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. With a few smart adjustments, you can keep your home comfortable while keeping your energy bills in check. Whether you’re juggling family life, working from home or just trying to sleep through a hot night, these energy-saving tips will help you stay chill all season.
And don’t worry, we’ve also included a smart, summer-ready tip from Bruce Bowersox himself. Because when it comes to keeping cool in Florida, Bruce knows best.
1. Bring it Up
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and increasing it to 82°F when you’re away to maximize energy savings. If that sounds too hot for you to handle, bump it down a little. But remember, each degree you raise your thermostat can save up to 5% on cooling costs.
2. Get Smart About Your Cool
Smart thermostats do more than just look sleek on your wall. Devices like the Google Nest or ecobee SmartThermostat actually learn your habits and adjust the temperature based on when you’re home, away, or sleeping. That means your system isn’t running full blast when it doesn’t need to – and you’re not paying to cool an empty house. Studies have shown smart thermostats can cut cooling costs by up to 15%, which adds up fast during a Florida summer. It’s one of the smartest upgrades you can make!
3. Flip on the Fans
Ceiling fans go with your AC like peanut butter goes with jelly. Though they won’t lower the temperature, they will make the room feel up to 4 degrees cooler – which means you can nudge the thermostat up without feeling a difference. Oh, and remember: fans cool people, not rooms. So, when you leave, flip the switch (or pull the cord) to save energy.
4. Shut Out the Sunshine
Natural light is great… until it starts turning your living room into a greenhouse. Keep blinds, curtains or shades closed during the hottest parts of the day. This blocks out the heat and gives your AC a break. Bonus: your furniture, wall paint and floors will thank you, too.
5. Keep the Heat in the Kitchen (or Better Yet, Outside)
Cooking with the oven or stovetop heats up your whole house fast, making your AC work overtime to keep up. Try firing up the grill outside, using a slow cooker or having no-cook meals during the hottest hours. Your AC, your comfort and your electric bill will all benefit.
Ask the Expert
Bruce Says:
“Maximize comfort and efficiency with your programmable thermostat! Set it a few degrees higher while you’re at work but schedule it to start cooling about an hour before you get home for a refreshing welcome. At bedtime, program the thermostat to cool down just before you slip into bed, ensuring crisp, cool sheets on hot summer nights. Avoid large temperature swings throughout the day – smaller adjustments keep your system running smoothly without long, energy-draining cycles.”
Ready to Stay Cool and Save?
A few small changes can go a long way when it comes to surviving Florida’s summer without breaking the bank. Whether you’re dialing in your thermostat, upgrading your habits or just need a little expert help, the team at Bowersox Air Conditioning & Heating is here to make it easy.
Give us a call today and let’s keep your home cool, your energy bills low, and your summer stress free.
Are You Ready For A Repair?
Now that you have some idea about the HVAC repair cost you may have to pay, what are you waiting for? A repair can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Your unit might have coverage from a warranty and you can take basic steps to prevent more costly repairs.
If you’re ready for HVAC repair in Englewood, Florida, contact us to get started.
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