Summer heat is on the way—and with it comes rising utility bills as air conditioners work overtime to keep homes comfortable. Fortunately, there are several practical steps homeowners can take to reduce cooling costs without sacrificing comfort. By combining smart maintenance habits, strategic upgrades, and simple adjustments, you can enjoy a cooler home and a lower energy bill this summer. Let’s talk about AC maintenance in Madison, WI and some other helpful tips.
1. Schedule Professional AC Maintenance This Spring
One of the best ways to reduce your summer cooling bills is to ensure your air conditioner is running efficiently. Scheduling professional AC maintenance before the peak of summer helps catch small issues before they become big problems. A trained technician will clean critical components, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and test overall system performance. A well-maintained AC unit doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool, which means lower energy usage and fewer breakdowns.
2. Upgrade to a Smart or Wi-Fi Thermostat
If your thermostat is outdated, now is the perfect time to upgrade to a smart or Wi-Fi model. These thermostats give you more precise control over your indoor temperatures, learn your habits, and can automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away. Some models even allow you to control your settings remotely through a smartphone app. Reducing unnecessary cooling when no one is home can lead to significant savings over the course of the summer.
3. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
A clogged or dirty air filter makes it harder for your air conditioner to circulate cool air. That strain can increase energy use and reduce indoor air quality. Make it a habit to check your AC filter every month, especially during peak usage periods. Most filters should be changed every 1 to 3 months, depending on the type of filter and household conditions such as pets, allergies, or smoke.
4. Keep Your Outdoor AC Unit Clean and Clear
Your outdoor condenser unit needs room to breathe. When it’s surrounded by leaves, grass clippings, or other debris, it can’t expel heat efficiently, making the entire system less effective. Check around the unit regularly to ensure there’s at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides, and gently rinse it off with a hose (with the system powered off) if it’s dusty or dirty.
5. Make the Most of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans don’t lower the temperature, but they do make rooms feel cooler by circulating the air. When used in conjunction with your air conditioner, fans can allow you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room—fans cool people, not spaces.
6. Seal and Shade Your Home
Another tip to reduce cooling demands is to block out heat before it enters your home. Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Consider adding weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows to prevent cool air from leaking out and warm air from creeping in.
Save More by Staying Proactive
Lowering your cooling bills doesn’t require major investments—just a combination of good habits and timely upgrades. Start with professional maintenance this spring and build from there. For more ways to stay cool while saving money, talk to our HVAC experts today and ask about thermostat upgrade options or our maintenance plan!
You can always count on 24-Hour Home Comfort Services, your heating and cooling specialists.