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With energy costs increasing and your home’s heating and cooling systems making up the largest chunk of your monthly utilities bills, finding corners to cut and ways to save is a smart way to hold onto more of your money. Even the tiniest savings add up over the course of many years, and small changes today can save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. Making minor changes, increasing your awareness of actions that use more energy, and recruiting some professional help with your air conditioning in Acworth can result in major savings. Energy-Efficient Updates and Upgrades The biggest step you can take to drastically reduce your energy bill is to upgrade your AC unit. Older units simply aren’t as efficient as the newer models, so if your AC unit is more than 10 years old, it might be time to look into replacing it. Even if you make no other changes, the newer, more efficient units will keep your home cool at much lower costs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has created the Energy Star system to help you find the most efficient models, and investing in an efficient unit will come back to you manifold. Insulation Whether you upgrade your AC unit or try to make the most of your current one, losing your cooled air to the outside world is bad for your wallet. Adding extra insulation to wall spaces, attics, basements, doors, and other weak spots can keep that cooled air where it belongs. Checking for drafts, air leaks, and open windows or doors can also help your cause. Windows, Sunshine, and Blinds Along the same lines as adding extra insulation, making sure your windows don’t leak air is an important way to keep your AC costs down. Thicker, energy-efficient windows are a great option, or you can apply coatings or films to your existing windows to increase their insulating properties. Keeping sunlight out of your home during the hottest parts of the day prevents unnecessary heating of your home, so good curtains or blinds are a great investment. Since your AC unit doesn’t run as effectively when it is hot, you can even strategically place your trees and shrubs by your AC unit to keep it cool as well. Only Heat the Space You Use One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to keep their home at the same temperature all the time. Additionally, people often try to keep their whole house at the same temperature. Both of these practices are unnecessary and cost you money. Avoid the “set it and forget it” mentality, instead choosing to keep your space a little warmer at night or any time you know you will be out of the house. A programmable thermostat is a great tool to help you in this endeavor, since you don’t have to remember to change it throughout the day. You can close the vents in unused rooms or spaces that don’t get a lot of traffic, you can try portable or window units to only cool certain spaces, and you can use fans as a way to cool a room. Cleaning and Maintenance Keeping things clean and clear allows them to run smoothly, so clean your ducts, keep vents clear and uncovered, and clean or replace the air filter when needed. Clear leaves and debris from around your AC unit when they build up. Preventative Maintenance and Timely Repairs Once all your new systems are in place, having a professional help with your air conditioning in Acworth can keep things smooth and efficient. Nip any problems in the bud, have regular inspections, and make sure things stay functional in order to keep your energy costs low.
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