3 Simple Ways to Reduce the Cost of Cooling Your Home This Summer

Missouri summers are no joke. When the heat and humidity hit, your AC starts working overtime and your electric bill starts climbing. The good news is there are some simple things you can do right now to help your system run more efficiently and keep more money in your pocket this summer. None of these require a big investment and all of them make a real difference.

1. Change Your Air Filter

This is the simplest and most overlooked thing a homeowner can do to improve the efficiency of their cooling system. A dirty clogged filter makes your AC work significantly harder to push air through your home. When the system has to work harder it uses more energy and that shows up directly on your electric bill every single month.

A fresh clean filter allows proper airflow which means your system does not have to strain to do its job. It also helps with indoor air quality which is a bonus if anyone in your home deals with allergies or respiratory issues.

Most standard filters should be changed every 30 to 90 days depending on the type of filter you use and whether you have pets in the home. If you have not changed yours recently go check it right now. If it looks gray and clogged it is overdue and your system has been working harder than it needs to.

A new filter costs just a few dollars and takes two minutes to swap out. There is no reason to skip it.

2. Keep Your Outdoor Unit Clear

Your outdoor AC unit needs room to breathe. It pulls in air from outside and releases heat as part of the cooling process. When that unit is surrounded by overgrown grass, weeds, shrubs, or debris it cannot do that job efficiently and your whole system suffers for it.

Take a walk around your outdoor unit and take a look at what is around it. You want at least two feet of clear space on all sides. Trim back any grass or plants that have grown up around it and clear away any leaves, sticks, or dirt that may have built up against the unit over the winter and spring.

Also take a look at the fins on the outside of the unit. If they are bent or clogged with debris that can restrict airflow significantly. A gentle rinse with a garden hose can help clear out dirt and buildup but be careful not to bend the fins or use too much pressure.

A unit that can breathe properly does not have to work as hard to keep your home cool and that means lower energy bills all summer long.

3. Schedule a Seasonal Tune Up Before the Heat Peaks

This is the big one. A seasonal maintenance visit is the single most effective thing you can do to make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible before summer really kicks in.

During a tune up I check refrigerant levels, clean the coils, inspect the electrical components, test the thermostat, check airflow, and make sure everything is working the way it should. Small issues that would have turned into big expensive repairs get caught early before they become a problem on the hottest day of the year.

A well maintained system also runs more efficiently which means lower energy bills every single month. When your system is clean, properly charged, and running smoothly it does not have to work as hard to cool your home. That efficiency adds up fast over the course of a long Missouri summer.

A routine tune up is one of the most affordable investments you can make in your home. The cost of a maintenance visit is a fraction of what an emergency repair costs and it extends the life of your equipment at the same time.

Bonus Tip: Upgrade to a Smart or Programmable Thermostat

If you really want to take control of your cooling costs this summer, upgrading your thermostat is one of the smartest investments you can make. A programmable or smart thermostat lets you set your system to run less while you are away and cool back down before you get home. You are not paying to cool an empty house all day and that adds up to real savings every single month.

A lot of homeowners are still running older manual thermostats that just do not give you that kind of control. A smart thermostat learns your schedule, lets you adjust the temperature from your phone, and helps your system run more efficiently overall. Some models can even alert you when something seems off with your system which is a nice extra layer of protection.

If you are not sure which thermostat is right for your system give me a call. I install and service thermostats across Lebanon, Marshfield, Springfield, and the Lake of the Ozarks area and I can help you find the right fit for your home and your budget.

Put It All Together

None of these tips require a big time commitment or a big investment. Change your filter, clear around your outdoor unit, and get your system serviced before the heat arrives. Those three things alone can make a noticeable difference in how well your system performs and how much you spend keeping your home comfortable all summer long.

If you have not had your system serviced yet this year now is the time to get it on the schedule before things get busy. Give me a call or shoot me a text and lets get your system ready for summer.

Call or text: 417-991-8443

JR Climate Solutions. Honest work. Real results. Done right.