Summer electric bills in California can double between May and August. Most of that is air conditioning. These ten steps, from free to major, bring it back down.
- Set the thermostat to 78 when home, higher when away. Each degree lower adds roughly 3 to 5 percent to cooling cost.
- Change the filter. A clogged filter forces the blower to work harder and can freeze the coil.
- Clean the outdoor coil. Clear plants and debris and rinse gently with a hose.
- Use ceiling fans. They let you raise the thermostat two to four degrees with the same comfort.
- Block the sun. Close blinds on south and west windows during the afternoon.
- Install a smart thermostat. Scheduling and geofencing typically save 8 to 15 percent. See smart thermostat installation.
- Seal the ducts. Leaky attic ducts waste up to 30 percent of cooling. Duct sealing and repair pays back fast.
- Get a tune-up. Correct refrigerant charge and clean coils restore lost efficiency. Book an AC tune-up each spring.
- Add attic insulation and ventilation. A 140-degree attic radiates heat into the rooms below all evening.
- Upgrade an old system. A 20-year-old 10 SEER unit can cost twice as much to run as a new 16 SEER2 system. Get a replacement estimate.
Start with the free steps this week and schedule the tune-up before the next heat wave. Questions about your system? Call (855) 459-5498 or find AC service in your city.