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Warmer weather is here – finally. Is your air conditioner ready?
Consumer ratings service, Angie’s List, asked home air conditioning professionals for tips on controlling cooling costs.
• Keep lamps, TVs, or other heat producing appliances away from the thermostat. The thermostat senses the heat and can kick on the air conditioner making it work longer than necessary.
• Keep the temperature set at 78 or above. Each degree you dial below 78 degrees Fahrenheit increases your energy consumption about 8 percent.
• Clean and replace the air conditioner filter. If the filter becomes clogged, your system has to work harder to supply the same amount of cool air.
• Air conditioners kept in the shade are efficient. Units in a shaded space will have an easier time cooling the air, but keep plants, shrubs, and other landscaping about two to four feet away from your outdoor unit to ensure adequate airflow.
If you’re looking for a new air conditioner, consider energy-efficient options. While they may seem pricey at first they use less energy, you’ll be surprised what they’ll save you in energy each month.
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