When things heat up in Houston, air conditioners work overtime just to keep things bearable. Under such tough conditions, it can be difficult to stay cool without blowing your budget.
According to Sharon Swendner of Sears Home Services, a full-service Houston heating and air contractor, keeping cool for less means paying close attention to your AC system. Is it as efficient as it could be? Are you using it correctly? Are you keeping up with preventive maintenance? If you’re serious about lowering your energy bills, Swendner recommends investing in top quality equipment, using it carefully and protecting your investment by purchasing a preventive maintenance plan.
Get Serious about Efficiency
The demanding conditions in Houston call for a high-quality, high-efficiency cooling system. If that doesn’t describe your current AC system, it may be time for an upgrade. A new high-efficiency air conditioner can save you as much as 30 percent over a 10-year-old air conditioner, particularly when you live in a warm climate. Choose equipment with the ENERGY STAR® label for the biggest boost in efficiency. Sears Home Services’ customers, Swendner says, have access to a broad range of high-efficiency air conditioners, including many ENERGY STAR® labeled models.
Focus on Conservation
Once your high-efficiency cooling system is in place, you can maximize your savings by using your system carefully and consciously working to reduce wasted energy. A programmable thermostat is one way to cut waste, allowing you to reduce your energy consumption when you’re away from your home or overnight. Program your thermostat to raise the temperature a few degrees in the morning, when you’re heading off to work, and then to lower the temperature to a comfortable level just before you get home. Even a few degrees can make a big difference in your electricity bills.
Purchase a Maintenance Plan
Great HVAC equipment and careful usage are just the first steps toward reducing your energy costs. Ongoing efficiency requires ongoing attention to your AC system’s health and performance, and a yearly inspection and tune-up is just what the doctor ordered.
Sears Home Services, Swendner says, makes it easy and convenient for Houston homeowners to keep their AC systems running smoothly and efficiently all summer long. Backed by the trusted Sears name, a pre-season maintenance program from Sears Home Services includes a thorough inspection, cleaning and tune-up for your AC system in the spring, and your heating system in the fall. A little annual attention from the HVAC professionals at Sears will help prevent costly equipment failures, boost efficiency and prolong the life of your air conditioner.
