With warm, dry summers that last through September, knowing how to save money on AC in summer is important for homeowners in Modesto, CA, and the surrounding areas. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to save on your Central Valley summer energy costs, including adjusting your thermostat settings, upgrading your old system, and keeping up with routine AC maintenance. The in-house-trained, NATE-certified technicians at Loves Air Heating, Air Conditioning, and Solar have some practical energy-efficiency tips to help you maximize comfort while saving money this summer and beyond.
Summary
- To save money on your AC in the summer, consider adjusting the thermostat settings, using blinds and shades, and upgrading to a new system if your current one is outdated.
- Loves Air offers a range of professional AC services, including air conditioning tune-ups, whole-house fan installations and repairs, and more.
- Replacing your air filter every month, scheduling a home energy audit, and sealing gaps and leaks in your home are other ways to save energy all summer long.
1. Adjust Your Thermostat Settings
Dust buildup and “cottonwood snow” are pretty common around here, which can affect how your thermostat reads the temperature. One of the best AC tips to save energy in summer is to lower your thermostat settings to reduce the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. This simple adjustment slows the rate of heat transfer into your home and keeps your AC from running less frequently.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, adjusting your thermostat slightly higher by about 8°F to 10°F could help you save about 10% on annual cooling costs. Installing a programmable thermostat makes it easy to adjust the settings when you’re away for even more savings.
2. Keep the Heat Out by Using Blinds and Shades
When it’s been over 100°F for a few days straight, your system works overtime to keep you cool. You can lower your air conditioning cost per month by using window blinds and shades to block solar heat gain. Keep all the window coverings closed during peak daylight hours to reduce the load on your HVAC system.
Focus on covering the windows facing west and south in your home and choose blinds or shades made of light-colored or reflective materials. Covering your windows keeps your home cooler overall, lowers energy bills, and reduces wear and tear on your air conditioner.
3. Keep Up With AC Maintenance
Scheduling routine maintenance is another smart way to save money on AC costs in the summer and reduce seasonal strain. Plan to get a professional system tune-up, inspection, and cleaning each year in early spring, whenever possible, to beat the summer rush. Loves Air will help you find issues early before they turn into stressful breakdowns.
Regular AC maintenance helps to reduce energy consumption and improve airflow and indoor quality for a healthier home. Scheduling annual maintenance with the Loves Air family also reduces excess wear and tear, prolonging your air conditioner’s lifespan and keeping your manufacturer’s warranty active and valid.
4. Use Fans
When summer temperatures climb in Modesto, your system has to work a lot harder than usual. Ceiling fans can keep rooms cooler while adding even more energy savings in the summer. Fans use significantly less power than central AC and could help to reduce your home’s cooling costs by nearly 14%. Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to maximize efficiency and create a comfortable, cooling breeze.
A whole-house fan cools your home by drawing fresh outdoor air inside while expelling hot indoor air through the attic. These energy-efficient fans work best when your windows are open to create a refreshing cross breeze throughout your home. Some whole-house fans include features like timers and thermostats that you can program so the fan turns on automatically whenever you want to use it.
5. Upgrade Your Old AC Unit for Long-Term Savings
As you consider how to save on your air conditioning bill, upgrading to a new AC system is a good way to get long-term savings. While it might cost more upfront, replacing an old, outdated unit that isn’t functioning optimally helps keep your energy costs lower overall.
Ductless mini-split systems are compact, require no ductwork to operate, and feature zoned cooling for better temperature control, making them one of the most energy-efficient options available. Installing a smart thermostat can also help you save, thanks to modern features such as Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone apps that let you monitor energy usage and control your home’s temperature from any location.
AC Maintenance Tips That Save Energy All Summer Long
Aside from using window coverings and fans, upgrading your system, and scheduling regular maintenance, there are a few more things you can do to save energy all summer long. With the heat we get here, keep these tips in mind to help you reduce energy costs:
- Thanks to the dusty environment in Modesto, we recommend replacing your air filter every 60 to 90 days, or sooner if it becomes dirty or clogged.
- Regularly inspect your air conditioner to look for leaks and damage, and schedule repairs as soon as possible to address minor issues early.
- Seal all cracks, gaps, and leaks around doors and windows, and in the attic with caulk or weatherstripping to prevent air loss.
- Cook hot foods later in the evening or during the cooler morning hours, and run appliances like your dryer only during off-peak hours when outdoor temperatures are lower.
- Consider adding solar to your home to power your HVAC system during periods of peak energy use and high rates.
- Consider a home energy audit with Loves Air, and we’ll help you find hidden inefficiencies and make an informed decision about possible upgrades.
- Install a programmable thermostat to keep household cooling costs and energy usage lower instead of turning your air conditioner off to save money.
- Remove debris like dirt, grass, and leaves from your outdoor condenser to maintain good airflow.
Save Money While Staying Cool This Summer
AC not keeping up with the Central Valley heat? If your system’s struggling this summer, we can help. The team at Loves Air Heating, Air Conditioning, and Solar provides reliable AC services, including repairs, system upgrades, and seasonal maintenance for maximum efficiency. We’d like to welcome you to the Loves Air family, so get in touch with us today to put a little love in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does air conditioning cost per month in Modesto, CA?
Monthly air conditioning costs in Modesto, CA, can vary. Monthly costs depend on several factors, including the current outdoor temperature, the age and condition of your AC system, and whether you’re taking steps to reduce your AC costs.
Is a whole-house fan worth it in Modesto?
Yes, investing in a whole-house fan is worth it in Modesto, especially if you want lower cooling bills during the peak summer months. Whole-house fans bring fresh air inside your home and use less energy than a traditional HVAC system.
Why should I choose Loves Air for AC services?
Loves Air has been in business since 2009, offering energy-efficient solutions and high-quality services at affordable prices. We stand behind our work, offer free estimates for our services, and proudly provide our customers with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
