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4 tips to help cut cooling costs

Date Published: Jun 14 2011

The number one reason that AC systems fail is because they aren’t properly maintained. Without regular maintenance, an air conditioner loses about 5 percent of its original efficiency for each year of operation. By following these four tips you can help cut the costs of your monthly bill.

Comments

Submitted by Mad on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
The expensive filters that catch more allergens and only have to be changed every three months also restrict airflow which makes your A/C system work harder to cool your home. This tip came from the company I use to maintain our system Crane Heating & Air.

Submitted by Valerie on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Change the filer. Maybe I am dumb, but this "filter" is this the one inside the house or is their another one that is in the actual AC unit outside? DUH! First time home owner, don't think I am too dumb please.

Submitted by Sandra on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Interesting. I lived in Texas most of my life and I would keep my thermostat set on 76 degrees. That was not comfortable in the summer even with fans. If I did much of anything around the house I would have to turn it down to 73. I always had to set it to about 71 to be able to sleep. I live in Arizona now, the Phoenix area, where the temps are usually much higher in the summer. I program my thermostat for 80 during the day, have it go down to 74 at 9:30 for sleeping, then it goes back up to 80 at 6:AM. All the rooms have ceiling fans. We're very comfortable at those temps. It was a pleasant surprise but I think it is because of the much lower humidity here. Our unit doesn't have to work as hard to cool the house.

Submitted by Rena on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I like the videos and any other helpful info. Thanks

Submitted by Frank Welker on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Put your cue cards closer to the camera. This will allow you to look as though you are looking directly into the camera and the audience. Good stuff..keep it up.

Submitted by Jean on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I prefer to read articles not watch videos, esp. with older computer that takes forever.

Submitted by Deloras on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Good advice. I knew most of the tips, but 78 degrees seem awfully high for Texas in the summer.

Submitted by Beverly on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Good tips! However, for Deloras, I lived in Texas 15 years and my central air (well kepted) was always at 78 degrees. It's all what you can get use to. Another idea: how about for us that have window A/C units? Our Ohio seasonal home doesn't have central A/C....how about tips on window A/C units?

Submitted by sarah on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Ditto Jean. I'm not going to watch a video to see if there's something less obvious than 'change the filters'.

Submitted by Kathie on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Agree with all of the above -- no more videos for simple things that videos are not needed for

Submitted by Deidra on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Thank You For ALL your Videos I feel they are helpful to us in some way .

Submitted by Ronna Brown on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
A lot of the tax credits expired or changed from 2010. check the code before depending on breaks.

Submitted by Lanlan on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Am well aware of all that common sense stuff, but 78 degree is far too high for me to bear.

Submitted by Stu on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I listened to all the videos it would allow me to view. Great useable information! Most were inexpensive solutions that anyone can do, but also heard info that more experienced maintenence workers could utilize. The video sound is a little dull in some areas- but I could get through it in order to get to the good information. Thanks for doing these to help all of us cut our bills.

Submitted by Stu on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I listened to all the videos it would allow me to view. Great useable information! Most were inexpensive solutions that anyone can do, but also heard info that more experienced maintenence workers could utilize. The video sound is a little dull in some areas- but I could get through it in order to get to the good information. Thanks for doing these to help all of us cut our bills.

Submitted by Marcia on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I think videos are a waste of time.

Submitted by kathy pressley on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
we run a dehumidifier reguarly it seems like the ac doesnt run as hard is this possible?

Submitted by Karen on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Living in AZ for 60 yrs with the temps going well above 105 - 110 and higher I refuse to set the thermostat at 78 that is too warm, I keep it at a constant 76 and leave it alone. My thought is that yes we may "save money" but what happens next is the Utility company in AZ is not making enough money from us,the cosumer, because we are cutting back on the electricity so they raise the rates and then we are paying higher premiums anyway, so use it and enjoy!! During the winter months do any of us think twice about raising the heat to keep warm, well this is just the reverse.

Submitted by Connie on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
When using the 4" filters they tell you to change them once a yr. If you have pets like I do, I suggest every 3 mos. And i keep my are ar 79, if it's to hot, turn on your fan.

Submitted by Al Mitry on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Instead of disposal filters, some systems use permanent filters that need to be cleaned once a month. There was no mention of this option. But other than that there was much usable info and it was a pleasure to see "our founder." Thanks Angie.-Al M in Philly

Submitted by mbr on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
glad you have the video... I simply do not have time to sit & read... this way I can fold the laundry while listening :) Maybe have an option for those wanting an article to read... Thanks!!!

Submitted by Roy on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
The expensive filters that catch more allergens and only have to be changed every three months also restrict airflow which makes your A/C system work harder to cool your home. This tip came from the company I use to maintain our system Crane Heating & Air.

Submitted by Ted on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I say we tell the idiots in Washington to do the job they are elected and paid to do so we can earn salaries that allow us to enjoy lower temps in our homes during the summer without worrying about the cost. The government environmental and OSHA regs are killing industries and power generators...causing higer costs that we end up paying for. Screw the environmental movement. It's all crap designed to hurt business and commerce while making America weak.

Submitted by Marti on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I live in a subdivision of houses built in 88-90. I'm the only one who has not needed to replace both the furnace and the AC. I have big trees and take reasonable care of both plus their filters.

Submitted by Diane on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
Thank you. You made the effort to make the video in order to help and we appreciate it. It is an especially good reminder for doing the maintanance.

Submitted by Christine on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
The environmental movement is the best thing to happen to this country. If we could get over ourselves and try to contribute to our own betterment by conserving energy and seeking alternative fuels...I bought a new HVAC system two years ago and my bills dropped dramatically due to the higher efficiency.

Submitted by Kaye on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
I just got on Angie's List and I really like the videos and articles. I am a visual learner so the video's help me alot. Good Job

Submitted by Rose Elllsperman on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10
It would be nice if you would have an option for those who want to read the article. I don't have access to videos at work.

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