How to Keep Cool and Stay Energy Efficient This Summer

Originally published in June 2017, updated May 2020.

Air conditioning is a must for most people in Fairbury, IL and the surrounding area, especially because the average summer temperature is 85 degrees, and will often reach much higher temperatures. Staying cool is imperative for people with various health conditions, and it’s also quite simply the best way to improve your overall indoor comfort. However, concerns about being energy efficient may make you question whether or not to turn your AC on. The good news is that there are a few techniques you can utilize to stay cool without straining your budget.

Get an HVAC Inspection

Regular HVAC inspections and tune-ups are the best way to ensure that everything is working properly with your heating and cooling system. Issues such as corroded electrical contacts, rust and frayed wires are often found during these inspections. You can save a lot of time, money and inconvenience by discovering and correcting these problems early on.

Bump the Temperature Up

Can you tell the difference between 71 and 72 degrees? Your HVAC unit can! Many people recommend turning the thermostat to the warmest temperature you can deal with, and this will definitely reduce your electric bill. Instead of being right on the edge of feeling uncomfortable, start with bumping the temperature up by just a single degree. This will use less energy, and bring your utility costs down.

Buy the Right Sized Air Conditioner for Your Home

If you’re using an older HVAC system, the odds are high that it’s inefficient. Fortunately, modern options make it easy to buy an AC system that is properly sized, plus energy efficient for your home’s needs.

Today’s heat pumps are extremely energy efficient utilizing variable speed condensers. These systems will run at a reduced percentage of their capacity to maintain your indoor temperature, increasing your indoor comfort while reducing humidity. Running at this lower capacity is easier on your system and consumes less energy.

Learn more about the many ways that preventative maintenance or a modern HVAC replacement can make your home more energy efficient by giving us a call.