How to Save on Your AC Bill

how to save on your ac bill

How to Save On Your AC Bill

Staying cool in Sacramento doesn’t have to be expensive. Now that some of us are beginning to turn on our AC’s, our Sacramento HVAC Experts cover how to save on your AC bill.

Different Ways To Save On Air Conditioning Costs

According to official energy predictions, American homes will spend $422 on power in June, July, and August. And a large portion of the money will be used to run the air conditioner in the summer.

What’s new? There are methods to reduce cooling costs without breaking the bank. Below, our AC Maintenance Sacramento team shares some ideas for lowering your power cost.

The Greenery Around The House

Planting leafy trees around your house will help shade it and make it cooler. The sun directly heats a home by beaming on the roof or via windows. Thus, our air conditioning company Sacramento shares that towering trees on the south and wide trees on the west and east. If you have a wide window facing east or west, you’ll get lots of morning and afternoon sun from low in the sky. At the same time, the sun is high in the sky to the south. Buying a tall tree is worth the additional money if you plant it correctly. We do live in the city of trees, after all!

Covering The Windows

The DOE estimates that 76 percent of sunshine hits windows as heat on a hot day. Energy can be captured by solar screens or mesh-like window screens. Window screens work well on windows facing east or west. If you can install them outside, do so. That would stop it before it got through the glass. It beats everything you can do indoors.

Window films are also cost-effective. Metalized sheets reflect heat before it passes through glass. Using anything reflecting like white or silver will block it from passing through the glass. The window films operate only when windows are closed, whereas solar screens work even when windows are open.

Make Your Thermostat “Smart”

The DOE advises maintaining the thermostat seven to ten degrees higher for eight hours if no one is home throughout the day.

The DOE advises keeping the thermostat at 78°F when at home and not dropping it too low when gone all day. That doesn’t help cool your home faster and might result in overcooling and a higher monthly power cost.

Set the AC fan speed to high, except on particularly humid days, says the DOE. Set the fan to low on humid days. Why? More moisture is removed from the air, improving indoor comfort.

Switch to a programmed or “smart” thermostat if you haven’t already. Smart thermostats help you keep your house at a suitable temperature, and many can be controlled remotely.

The thermostat’s position is also vital. The DOE recommends mounting it on an inside wall away from direct sunlight, drafts, entrances, skylights, and windows.

Also, avoid blocking AC vents with furniture or drapes.

Ceiling Fan Installation 

If you can turn on ceiling fans upstairs and open the windows below. If you live in a one-story home or apartment, close windows near the fan and open windows far away from it, the DOE says. The goal is to move air within.

Keep your AC Up To Date

Inefficient AC boosts cooling bills. Sacramento AC maintenance is critical.

Start by cleaning or changing your air conditioner’s filter every two months throughout the summer. Filters may need to be cleaned or replaced more frequently if there is a lot of dust or dogs.

A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow and affects efficiency. Keep the filter clean and the unit level for efficient condensation drainage.

The evaporator and condenser coils also gather dust and need cleaning. The coils on the exterior condenser might catch leaves and twigs. The DOE suggests cutting trees surrounding the unit and cleaning up around the condenser.

Make sure the coil fins aren’t bent and obstructing airflow. If your air conditioner is outdated, inefficient, or requires a tune-up, call a professional.

Stop The Leaks

A drafty home wastes energy. The DOE advises visually inspecting the home for gaps, cracks, and holes that let air in and out. While windows and doors are obvious suspects, other sources for leaks include the home’s foundation and the outside brick or siding.

Hire a professional specialist to do an energy audit on your home. An expert can discover energy-wasting leaks and inform you where extra insulation is required.

Contact Gilmore  Today for AC Needs

When it comes to the cost of your everyday bills we constantly try to make it our goal to constantly keep our bills down. Nobody wants to have a bill that skyrockets throughout the summer. Follow a few of these ideas to help that AC bill of yours to stay lower.  If you are in need of an AC upgrade or update reach out to our team in Sacramento today. We are here to help in any way that we can. Follow us on Facebook today!

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HVAC Energy Savings Tips For Spring

HVAC Energy Savings Tips For Spring

For much of the United States, March symbolizes the start of spring and the conclusion of winter. With the beginning of a new season comes a unique chance to find methods to conserve energy and money. Below, Gilmore Heating Air and Plumbing, the best HVAC company in Sacramento, shares HVAC Energy Savings Tips for Spring.

How to Save Money on Your HVAC System This Spring

Everyone wants to save money, and it’s a good idea to go over your budget every now and again to see if there are any opportunities you’ve missed in the past. It’s always a good idea to think about methods to cut your energy expenditures in the spring. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), air conditioners consume approximately 6% of all electricity in the country, costing homeowners over $29 billion.

If you can limit your consumption in Sacramento, you will be able to help the environment while also saving money. Below, our HVAC Sacramento Pros share our HVAC Energy Savings Tips for Spring

Maintain Your Air Conditioner

Simple maintenance, such as cleaning or even replacing your air filters on a regular basis, can reduce your air conditioning system’s energy use by up to 15%. Also, the first day of spring may serve as a reminder to inspect your air conditioner’s evaporator coil,  which is something that should be cleaned annually to ensure the system is operating at peak efficiency. Contact Gilmore today for an ac tune up near me

Open The Windows

Opening windows produces a cross-wind, allowing you to chill your home naturally without using air conditioning. This is an excellent strategy in the spring when temperatures are mild, before we are hit with the Sacramento heat!

Make Use of Ceiling Fans

By using ceiling fans to cool your home, you will be able to raise your thermostat by four degrees. Our air conditioning repair Sacramento experts explain that this can help you save so much of your money on your energy costs without losing overall comfort. 

Install Window Coverings

Installing energy-efficient window treatments or coverings such as blinds, shades, and films helps reduce heat input when temperatures rise. These devices improve the appearance of your house and help you save money on electricity.

Air Leaks Should Be Caulked

Using low-cost caulk to seal cracks and gaps in your house keeps warm air out and cash in your wallet.

Bring In Some Natural Light

Switch off artificial lights throughout the day and instead use windows and skylights to illuminate your house.

Set The Temperature

On warm days, setting a programmed thermostat to a higher setting when you are not at home can help you save around 10% on your energy bills.

Ducts Should Be Sealed

Air loss through ducts can result in substantial power expenditures, accounting for roughly 30% of the energy consumed by a cooling system. Therefore, sealing and insulating ducts might help you save money on your energy expenses.

Save Money This Spring

Spring can be one season of amazing weather. With the tips listed above, we can save so much on our energy bills. Additionally, with the right planning, we can start to see a change very quickly. 

Contact Gilmore Heating & Air today for More Energy Saving Tips

We are here to help you in any way that you need. Contact us today to find out more about how you can use ur energy more efficiently in Sacramento CA. 

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Do I Really Need an AC Tune Up

Do I Really need an AC Tune Up

Do I Really Need an AC Tune-Up?

Your HVAC System does a ton for you and your family. It works hard to keep you cool in our Sacramento summers and warm in the cold winter months. As follows, regular HVAC tune-ups will help guarantee that your system can keep up with the demands placed on it, extend its usable life, and even help you avoid certain costly repairs. 

Why You Need to Get Routine AC Tune-Ups

Below, our HVAC Sacramento company answers the question, “Do I Really Need an AC Tune-Up?” Please continue reading to discover more about HVAC tune-ups and the benefits they provide.

When Should I Have My HVAC System Tuned-Up?

Depending on the age of your system, you should schedule Sacramento HVAC tune-ups one to two times per year. 

Ideally, HVAC inspections should be conducted at the start of the spring and fall seasons. For example, weather often changes in the spring and fall, causing your HVAC system to go from heating to cooling or vice versa. Thus, this is an excellent time to have an expert HVAC professional inspect your system. This will ensure that everything is in working order and ready for the change.

Why Do I Do I Really Need an AC Tune-Up?

Of course, you’re aware that you should schedule Sacramento HVAC maintenance, but why? As follows, Gilmore, the best HVAC company Sacramento, shares that you can enjoy the following advantages with regular tune-ups:

Reduced Energy Costs

First, your HVAC system will run more efficiently if it is serviced regularly. In addition, it won’t have to work as hard to heat or cool your home, reducing the overall amount of time the system is on each day. Also, less energy is spent when a system runs less frequently. This can result in significant savings on your monthly energy expenditures.

Save Money on Future Repairs

Also, an HVAC company in Sacramento has extensive training and experience with various systems. They will evaluate your system to find minor faults while performing routine maintenance. For example, small repairs, such as cracked heat exchangers or blown fuses, can help avoid more significant problems from developing in the future. As follows, regular tune-ups for your HVAC system can lower the likelihood of an expensive failure by up to 95 percent.

Improved Comfort and Reliable Performance

Because regular maintenance can fix minor issues before they become major ones, it can also assist ensure that your system continues to function correctly. For example, maintenance can help your system circulate cold or warm air more evenly throughout your home. This can help maintain your home’s temperature and keep your family more comfortable all year.

Increase HVAC Life Expectancy

Failures begin to show around at around 12 years. Maintaining your HVAC system regularly increases the likelihood that it will last longer. Consider HVAC maintenance as essential as going to the doctor for regular physicals or getting your car’s oil changed regularly.

Keep Your Warranty

If a manufacturer’s warranty still protects your new system, a repair claim may be denied if you can’t demonstrate that you’ve kept your system in good working order. HVAC inspections are critical to the effective operation of the systems. Many manufacturers include language in their warranties, indicating that the guarantee will be worthless if the equipment is not maintained by a professional. If your equipment encounters an unexpected and costly breakdown while under contract, the cost of a tune-up will be well worth it.

Enhance Air Quality

Tune-ups can help reduce the amount of dust, pet dander, and other allergens in the air in your house. Keeping your unit in good working order and changing the air filter regularly might assist trap more of these particles.

Safety

The professional technician performing maintenance may help prevent something hazardous from occurring on your property. If your heating system fails in subzero weather, for example, your pipes may freeze and explode. In addition, HVAC units can occasionally leak carbon monoxide. Checking for leaks or suspected leaks is part of your HVAC checkup.

Contact Gilmore for a Sacramento HVAC Tune Up

We’re here for you, Sacramento! With warmer weather right around the corner, we can make sure your HVAC system is ready to work hard for your family. Contact us today to schedule your HVAC tune-up. 

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We are so glad you’re here! Complete the form below to get in touch, claim your coupon, or simply join our email list. 

Is Your HVAC System Ready for Spring?

is your hvac system ready for spring

Is Your HVAC System Ready for Spring?

We’re eager for warm days and blooming flowers after the winter we’ve had in Sacramento! But, will your Sacramento HVAC system be ready for the warmer temperatures? 

How to Get Your HVAC Unit Ready For Spring

Spring is on the horizon, Sactown! Of course, as the seasons change, so do the needs of your home’s appliances. In fact, a routine checkup, as well as thoroughly inspecting the surroundings around your HVAC unit is a great place to start. Today on the blog, our HVAC Sacramento team shares how to get your HVAC Unit ready for spring.  

is your hvac system ready for spring

Test Out Your Air Conditioner

Take your AC unit for a test drive before you start relying on it again. Please change the setting on your HVAC system from heat to cold, lower the thermostat a few degrees, and let it run for one complete cycle. As your air conditioner runs, keep the following in mind:

  • First, keep an ear out for any unusual sounds, such as knocking or slamming.
  • Also, take note of how long it takes to cycle on and off again and if it stops at any time during the cycle.
  • Then, note any strange odors.
  • Also, check to see whether the temperature in your home is dropping.
  • Next, as you move from room to room, make sure all vents are open and cleared.
  • Lastly, outside and listen to your unit while it cools. Our ac tune up Sacramento team advises you to keep an eye out for scents and any debris or discharge on or around the unit.

Leaks and Cracks in the Seal

Winds and flying debris can cause cracks or leaks in and around windows, doors, attics, and basements.

Before the hottest months of the year approach, pre-spring is ideal for sealing leaks and cracks to improve indoor air retention. Simultaneously, adding extra insulation to your home can be one of the most cost-effective purchases you make because it enhances the efficiency of your HVAC system and lowers your monthly power expenditures. Our AC Repair Sacramento team cannot stress this enough!

Examine the Thermostat Function

One simple thing you can do to save money on electricity is to make sure your thermostat is working correctly. Of course, you want the temperature displays to reflect the actual temperature of your interior air. If there is a mismatch, it could be a symptom of an HVAC problem, and you may wind up paying more for cooling. Our friends over at Specialized AV, whole home automation Sacramento, suggest adding a programmable thermostat to your home. 

Set up a Carbon Monoxide Detector

A carbon monoxide detector will keep your family safe as the weather warms up. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, potentially fatal, and challenging to detect without a sensor. Therefore, a functional detector is essential to the protection of your house. If a carbon monoxide detector is installed, you will be immediately notified if carbon monoxide is detected.

Schedule an HVAC Maintenance Inspection Regularly

Plan a routine HVAC maintenance check and cleaning of your HVAC system twice a year to guarantee your home’s safety and energy efficiency. Please let one of our skilled specialists know if something in particular concerns you. Our team members can evaluate your HVAC equipment, repair and replace worn-out parts, update filters, and look for any noticeable loose seals, cracks, or leaks.

A pre-season spring inspection and checklist can get your HVAC unit ready for the warmer weather ahead. To get the most out of your HVAC unit, schedule a routine inspection, thoroughly inspect the environment around your HVAC unit.

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We are so glad you’re here! Complete the form below to get in touch, claim your coupon, or simply join our email list.