How to Save on Summer Cooling Costs in Burbank

It’s easier to beat the Burbank, CA summer heat with an efficient and reliable air conditioner. Even then, cooling costs can skyrocket when the temperatures soar. Try some of these tips and services to help keep your utility bills low and reduce the stress on your cooling system.

Open Windows at Night

Opening your windows on cool nights can be a highly effective way to reduce cooling costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, utilizing natural ventilation during cooler hours can significantly lower indoor temperatures and decrease the reliance on air conditioning. This practice can lead to substantial energy savings. By closing windows in the morning before temperatures rise and then reopening them at night, you can create a more energy-efficient home, potentially reducing your monthly cooling costs by up to 30%.

Utilize Window Coverings

Curtains, blinds, or other window coverings are essential for shielding your home from the blazing sunlight, especially on south-facing windows. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that window coverings can reduce heat gain by up to 77%, significantly improving your home’s energy efficiency. Keeping window coverings closed during the daytime when the sun is beating down can maintain a cooler indoor environment and help your AC run more efficiently.

Use Exhaust Fans

The exhaust fans in your kitchen and bathroom are essential for removing moisture and heat. For instance, cooking on the stove can raise the temperature in your kitchen by several degrees, while a hot shower can add significant moisture to your home’s air. You can effectively vent this excess heat and humidity outside by using exhaust fans whenever you cook or shower.

Turn on the Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can provide a refreshing breeze in the summer when set to spin in a counterclockwise direction. This direction creates a downdraft, pushing cool air downwards and circulating it throughout the room, which helps to create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, using a ceiling fan in this way allows you to raise your thermostat setting by about 4 degrees without reducing comfort. This practice reduces the workload on your air conditioner, leading to significant savings since ceiling fans use far less energy than air conditioners.

Change Air Filters

Your air conditioner has a filter that catches dust and debris, keeping these contaminants out of your cooling system and preventing damage. However, when the filter becomes clogged, it interferes with proper airflow through your system. This lack of airflow makes your air conditioner work harder to keep your home comfortable and can cause other issues, like short cycling.

Experts recommend changing filters at least every three months. However, you may need to change yours more often depending on factors such as if you have pets or how many people live in your home. Many homeowners inspect their air conditioner’s filter once a month to know when it is time for a replacement. Always having a clean filter in your cooling system is one of the best ways to ensure your central air conditioning runs as efficiently as possible.

Upgrade Your Thermostat

Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat is a good move for homeowners looking to take better control of their cooling system and save energy. The U.S. Department of Energy states that using a programmable thermostat can save households up to 10% a year on cooling costs. Smart thermostats go a step further by incorporating learning algorithms that automatically adapt to your family’s routine, eliminating the need to enter schedules manually. These advanced thermostats can learn when your home is typically occupied and adjust the temperature accordingly, ensuring maximum comfort without unnecessary energy use. For example, the smart thermostat will set your system to a higher temperature during the day when no one is home and cool it down before household members return. This efficient management helps reduce energy consumption and can significantly save on utility bills while maintaining a comfortable home environment.

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Air conditioner maintenance is essential for the reliable, safe, and efficient cooling of your home. You should schedule this service once a year, preferably in the fall, before you need to switch on your air conditioning. During annual maintenance, your technician will perform several tasks to ensure your cooling system is ready for the summer heat. Several of these include:

• A visual inspection of the entire system
• Lubrication of moving parts
• Clearing the condensate drain
• Cleaning evaporator and condenser coils
• Testing of safety controls
• Tightening electrical connections and checking wiring
• Checking for proper airflow
• Calibrating the system

Annual maintenance helps improve your air conditioner’s efficiency and lowers the risk of unexpected breakdowns in the middle of summer. By scheduling maintenance every year, you may also extend the useful lifetime of your system.

Schedule Duct Cleaning

During duct cleaning, an HVAC technician uses a heavy-duty vacuum and other techniques to clear dust and debris out of your ductwork, ensuring efficient airflow throughout your home. This service should be scheduled every three to five years. Dirty ducks can disrupt the flow of conditioned air to your vents, leading to insufficient and uneven cooling.

In addition, during this service, a professional will identify problem areas, such as gaps and leaks in crawl spaces and attics, and recommend solutions. Faulty ductwork can reduce a cooling system’s efficiency by up to 30%. This inefficiency forces your AC to work longer and harder to cool your home to the desired temperature. Regular duct cleaning and maintenance not only improves indoor air quality but also contributes to lower energy bills and a more comfortable home.

Upgrade Your Air Conditioner

An aging air conditioner may no longer provide efficient cooling. As your unit grows older, the parts and components wear out and simply don’t work as well to provide cold air. In fact, many experts agree that a system you purchased 10 years ago may be 50% less efficient than the day a professional installed it. If you have an older air conditioner and are seeing an increase in energy consumption, it may be time to upgrade.

Newer air conditioners incorporate modern technologies, such as variable-speed motors and fans, which provide precision cooling while reducing wear and tear on the system. They also have improved coil designs and more durable materials, contributing to a longer lifespan. According to Energy Star, replacing an old air conditioner with a new, energy-efficient model can save homeowners up to 20% on cooling costs. By upgrading to a new system, you not only enhance your home’s comfort but also invest in a solution that offers better performance over its lifetime.

Contact the Professionals

At Air Max HVAC, we have served the Burbank community and the surrounding areas since 2001. We install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Additionally, we perform home energy audits, which include assessing your ductwork and insulation. With this information, we can make recommendations to reduce your energy use.

Schedule an AC maintenance appointment with one of our experienced team members today to start saving on cooling costs in your Burbank home!