Every year, Dallas homeowners see their electricity bills skyrocket when temperatures start to climb. While winter offers some relief from the normally hot and humid weather, the cooling season in Dallas can last as long as eight months and include daytime highs above 100 degrees for weeks at a time. Keeping your home cool and comfortable under such demanding conditions can be an expensive endeavor. But Sharon Swendner of Sears Home Services, a Dallas AC installation specialist, says that staying cool in Dallas doesn’t have to cost a fortune. There are some simple ways to save money, she says, without sacrificing comfort.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to cut your cooling costs is to purchase a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to increase the temperature in your home while you’re at work each day and decrease it to a more comfortable level just before you come home.
Change Filters Regularly
Another good way to boost your AC system’s efficiency is to routinely change the air filter. A dirty filter blocks air flow and makes it harder for your air conditioner to effectively cool your home. Changing your air filter once a month will not only reduce your energy costs, but also prolong the life of your cooling equipment.
Get a Check-up
A professional inspection and tune-up in early spring is a great way to ensure that your air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently all summer. Yearly preventive maintenance is an essential part of warding off costly repairs and keeping cooling bills down. Swendner says that the HVAC experts at Sears Home Services offer a yearly preventive maintenance program that makes it convenient and affordable to keep your AC system in great shape.
Provide Some Shade
Shading your outdoor AC unit from the sun’s rays can also provide some savings. Plant a tree in a strategic location to help keep the condenser cool in the afternoon heat. This will reduce the condenser’s workload, reducing the amount of energy it consumes.
Consider an Upgrade
If your air conditioner is at least 10 years old, you may want to consider an upgrade. While a new AC unit is certainly an investment, you can expect it to quickly pay for itself in energy savings. Today’s cooling systems can be as much as 30 percent more efficient than models manufactured just 10 years ago. To maximize efficiency gains, look for a model with the ENERGY STAR® label.
Sears Home Services offers homeowners in Dallas a wide selection of high-efficiency AC equipment, all professionally installed by Sears’ technicians and backed by the Sears quality and service guarantee. One phone call to a Sears HVAC expert and you’re on your way to experiencing a cooler, more comfortable, more affordable Dallas summer.
