How to save money this summer on cooling costs

When the sun comes out and temperatures heat up, the air conditioners go on, and that can be pricey. So how do you keep the costs to a minimum?

Marty Clugstone, Southeastern Heating & Air, said, “Make sure the filters are changed and have preventative maintenances done.”

Experts say to replace the air filter each month. The filter only costs about $1 and could save you hundreds of dollars in possible future repairs.

“If you can [change filters] once a month you’re looking at $12 dollars a year verses having to get a service call that can cost you $150 to $200. It’s cheaper to change the filters.”

Clugstone also recommends closing your blinds and putting up heavy curtains to save energy.

“If you block that solar heat from coming into the house, it helps keep the air conditioner from having to work as hard,” said Clugstone.

Also, keep the coils behind the air filter clean to help with air flow, and Clugstone said to consider buying a programmable thermostat.

“A programmable thermostat will bring the unit on before they come home. The house will be cooled off when they come home, but the unit will not have to work as hard during the heat of the day,” said Clugstone.

A programmable thermostat costs around $200, but Clugstone said it pays for itself in savings.

“By raising the temperature in the house during the day for an eight hour period can save $10 to $15 per day on their air conditioning cost,” said Clugstone.

Experts recommend changing your air filter more than once a month if you have a lot of dust in your home or an indoor pet.

Changing the filter helps air flow and keeps your air-conditioner from working overtime, which in turn saves you extra money.