How To Save Money On Your Air Conditioning Costs This Summer

Published on: 13 September 2020 Last Updated on: 29 October 2024
Air Conditioning Costs

For most people, summer is the most joyful of all seasons. There’s something precious about those warm evenings, whole days spent swimming, and enjoying the great outdoors. Unfortunately, summer’s not all sunshine and flowers.

As a lot of homeowners know, during the summertime our bill tends to spike as our air conditioning costs keep piling up. But what if you could cut those costs by as much as half. In a lot of cases, high AC costs are the result of improper maintenance and malfunctioning AC systems. The experts at Howell’s were kind enough to share a few useful tips that can help you save this cooling season.

Look For Leaks In The Ducts

If your cooling bills unexpectedly start to spike, there could be a technical issue behind it. Central AC systems use ductwork to deliver any cooled air throughout your home. However, as they age ducts become more susceptible to tears and fissures. This not only makes the AC less efficient but demands more power to keep the required temperature levels in your home. This is usually the main reason behind increased energy bills. If you haven’t inspected your ductwork in a while and are paying more than usual, have a professional determine whether leaks in the ductwork are to blame.

Replace Your Air Filter

One of the things homeowners are most likely to forget about is the air filters in their AC systems. When is the last time you replaced or at least cleaned your filter? If your answer is “I don’t remember” now is the right time to do so. A clogged filter may make your air conditioner less effective as it struggles to push the cooled air through the filter. This will likely result in an increased energy bill, but poor air quality as well.

If you want to keep your energy bill low, make a habit of replacing your air filter at least once every two months. If you are not sure how to do this, you can always hire a professional.

Have A Professional Tune-Up

Another often neglected part of owning an AC system is having regular inspections and tune-ups. With a professional tune-up at least twice a year you can be sure your AC will be up to standards and working properly. This way you won’t spend a cent more than you need to in order to enjoy the comfort in your home.

A tune-up entails a professional testing every component of the system to make sure everything is working in harmony. If any part of the AC system is malfunctioning, professionals can detect this early and prevent expensive repairs down the line. Finally, they will clean the entire system, replace the filters, and offer valuable advice on proper AC maintenance.

Having your AC system running at optimal conditions is perhaps the best way to ensure that you don’t end up spending more money on it than necessary. As the old adage goes, sometimes you gotta spend money to make money; well, in this case, save money.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Home DIY Decorating Tips

9 Home DIY Decorating Tips

For new homeowners, there is nothing more exciting than the prospect of owning your first home. This is a place that you can share with your family and make memories in. Of course, for your home to truly feel special you need to do the work to make it look as stunning as it possibly can, so not only do you get to impress your neighbors, but you will be able to give your family a feeling of warmth and belonging by manipulating the aesthetics to suit their tastes. If you don't want to spend money by hiring a professional interior designer at the moment, here are some quick ways for you to decorate your home! 1.  It All Starts At the Facade The facade is the first thing that your guests see when they enter your home. It is fair to say that the facade will create a more lasting first impression compared to the other parts of your home. One thing that you can do to make your home feel inviting is by giving your front door a nice playful hue, perhaps one of the primary colors of red, blue, or yellow. This gives your house a very impressive aesthetic, which many of your guests will surely appreciate. In fact, it is actually a very popular tradition to paint the front door red as a sign of welcome, which is something that started in the early days of the United States but is something that is still practiced today. 2.  Keep Everything Light and Subtle So this approach is a little different from your front door, but you should keep the colors of the interior of your home very light and very subtle. Remember, you want to tickle the senses with the color of your front door, but you want to calm them down with the color of your walls and furniture. The reason why is simple: the colors of the interior surround you and your guests, from all sides. That is why having a very profound color indoors has the potential of absolutely overwhelming your guests. Light-colored walls of white or gray particularly go well with natural light. 3.  You Can’t Get Enough Natural Light Speaking of natural light, you should make sure that you maximize it within your home by removing any obstructions from the outside or from within that could obstruct it. Natural light is beautiful and it can easily improve the aesthetic of your home. 4.  Mirrors, A Must Have For Every Room Of course, if your home is not situated in an area that permits too much natural light, there is a little secret that you can so that you can recreate the effect of having tons of natural light in your home. That is, of course, with the careful and creative use of mirrors. You should have a mirror hung in every room because it can bounce light around to give your home better brightness and artificially create the feeling of having tons of light from coming from the outside. 5.  Make Good Use Of Art The oldest trick in the book when it comes to making your home look fancier and more luxurious is to buy art and carefully choose the right areas of your home to feature them in. You have to remember that art is very subjective, so you shouldn’t feel the need to buy pieces that are too expensive to enhance the aura of your living room. It is purely visual, there are tons of paintings out there that you can buy for under $50 that would look great on your wall. To the untrained eye, which accounts for most eyes, the difference between those pieces of art and the most expensive ones will be completely negligible. If it looks good and fits the color scheme of your home, buys it! 6.  Add An Electric Fireplace Earlier we talked about the home being the perfect place to make your loved ones feel nice, loved, and warm. There is no better way to recreate this warmth in your home than to feature an electric fireplace with mantle. Not only are electric fireplaces very practical for people who live in colder states, but they are very symbolic and traditional as well; an ideal setting for having deep conversations and telling fun stories in the presence of the people you care about. Not only are electric fireplaces very practical for people who live in colder states, but they are very symbolic and traditional as well; an ideal setting for having deep conversations and telling fun stories in the presence of the people you care about. You can also consider in using bio ethanol burners, powered by clean and renewable bioethanol fuel, offer an eco-friendly and versatile solution for adding warmth and ambiance to any space without the need for a chimney or vent. 7.  Lighting that Matches the Room This tip is a little bit more technical but it can be very powerful if you use it correctly. You should have different types of lighting in your home and you should match with the room it is in. There is ambient lighting that exists purely for the purpose of illumination, which would work great in the living room. There is also such a thing as accent lighting, which provides very decorative and very pleasing highlights. These types of lights are perfect for places where you entertain like the dining room. 8.  Don’t Forget to Declutter This is probably something that you hear time and time again from people that are interested in home decorating, less is definitely more. Having that said, you have to constantly look at the parts of your home that you feel may look a little overwhelming and find ways to declutter. Maybe your bookshelf has too many books, or maybe your furniture is too closely packed together. 9. Low Ceiling? No Problem One of the first things that realtors talk about when they are trying to sell an expensive home is high ceilings, they are just magnificent to behold and they can give the home a very grandiose appearance. Of course, if these types of homes are not exactly within your budget, there are some visual tricks that you can try to artificially reproduce this look. Using custom drapes, using large mirrors, and using design elements that feature vertical stripes will all make your ceiling look higher. Styling a Stunning Home So those are some of the simple ways you can make your home look great in a way that does not break the bank. Always remember, however, that design may give you a beautiful looking house, but it is the people in it that truly turn it into a home. Read Also: How to Improve Your Living Conditions in a Small Living Space 5 Tech Items You Can Display as Decor Home Improvement Hacks to Add to Your Space

READ MOREDetails
Plumbing Services

Top-Notch Plumbing Services In Lubbock: Your Reliable Partner

In the bustling city of Lubbock, maintaining a smoothly functioning plumbing system is essential for both residential and commercial properties. From leaky faucets to clogged drains, plumbing issues can disrupt daily routines and pose significant inconveniences. This is where reliable Lubbock plumber services come into play, offering timely solutions to any plumbing problems. The Role Of Professional Plumbers A professional Lubbock plumber plays an important role in ensuring the integrity and efficiency of plumbing systems. With the expertise and specialized tools, they can diagnose issues accurately and implement practical solutions to restore functionality. Professional plumbers bring unmatched skill and precision, whether repairing a burst pipe or installing new fixtures. Comprehensive Plumbing Solutions One of the hallmarks of top-notch plumbing services in Lubbock is their ability to offer comprehensive solutions to a wide range of plumbing issues. From routine maintenance tasks to emergency repairs, reputable plumbing companies have the knowledge and resources to handle any situation easily and professionally. Timely Response And Efficient Service When it comes to emergencies, time is of the essence. Reliable plumbing services understand the urgency of these situations and offer prompt response times to address them swiftly. Whether it's a midnight pipe burst or a weekend plumbing disaster, you can count on dependable plumbers to arrive promptly and resolve issues efficiently. Related: 5 Best Type of Plumbing Pipe Quality Workmanship And Attention To Detail Quality workmanship is a hallmark of top-notch plumbing services. Experienced plumbers take pride in their craft and pay close attention to detail to ensure every job is completed to the highest standards. From using high-quality materials to employing advanced techniques, reputable plumbing companies go above and beyond to deliver lasting results that exceed expectations. Transparent Pricing And Fair Estimates Transparent pricing is essential for building trust between plumbers and their clients. Reliable plumbing services in Lubbock pride themselves on providing fair and accurate estimates, ensuring customers know exactly what to expect before any work begins. By offering transparent pricing and honest communication, reputable plumbing companies strive to establish long-term relationships built on trust and integrity. Commitment To Customer Satisfaction Customer satisfaction is the ultimate goal of top-notch plumbing services. From the moment you contact them to completing the job, reputable plumbers prioritize your needs and ensure that you are delighted with the results. Whether answering your questions, addressing your concerns, or following up after the job, Dependable Plumbing Services is committed to delivering exceptional customer experience at every step. Embracing Technology And Innovation In today's digital age, technology is increasingly essential in plumbing. Top-notch plumbing services in Lubbock embrace the latest advancements in technology and innovation to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. From using state-of-the-art equipment to implementing eco-friendly practices, reputable plumbing companies leverage technology to deliver superior results while minimizing environmental impact. Building Trust And Reputation Trust is the foundation of any successful plumbing service. Reputable plumbing companies in Lubbock understand the importance of building trust with their clients and work tirelessly to earn and maintain a stellar reputation in the community. By consistently delivering exceptional service and exceeding customer expectations, top-notch plumbing services establish themselves as partners in maintaining the integrity and functionality of plumbing systems across the city. Points To Consider Before Hiring A Top Plumbing Services Before you hire a plumbing service, you need to take note of some of the points. You will get a lot of them on the internet platform. But you must not select one on a random basis. However, here we discuss some of the factors you need to consider when hiring a plumbing service. Experience Of The Plumber  Experience counts when you are heading towards hiring a plumber service. The plumber that you hire must have the skills to tackle your issues. This only comes through experience. Theoretical knowledge may intensify your knowledge, but the experience counts to a great extent when it comes to practicality.  Licensing Services The licensing services are one point that you must consider under any circumstance. Find out that the plumber has adequate certification to operate. Do not stop at the question. Ask for the certifications. It is a vindication that the individual has gone through extensive training and is well-equipped to handle your issues. Get Estimate Consider the experienced service about the total cost or a tentative cost with a slight increase. It can help you obtain an idea about the city. After all, you are moving with a limited amount of money. The bill must not increase your expectations to manifold, or it will help you with problems. Your ultimate objective must be to get the treatment. You must compare their estimation with the competitor to understand whether or not they are charging high or not.  Rates: Per Hour Or Flat Rate? Again, this must be one of the points that you must remember. The flat rates offer you a sense of the cost because they do not change. On the other hand, hourly rates tend to differ depending on how long it takes to complete the entire task. Organizations may vary with their rate charges and pattern of rates. Therefore it must be one of the parameters in selecting the right plumbing service. Is The Plumber Lacks The Parts And Permits  Sometimes, it happens that your plumbing system needs special parts. Some contractors have a stock of these parts in their trucks. But they must have all of them before they start the project. If they head to the stores to purchase the parts, inquire who will pay for them. You may need to get the permits before any work is done.  Ask if the plumber can fetch the necessary permits. Other than these important points, you must get an idea of the emergency services. Imagine being in the middle of your shower when you realize the water isn’t draining. The emergency plumbing issues may tend to pose threats at some inconvenient times. Conclusion In Lubbock, reliable plumbing services are more than just a necessity – they are a lifeline for homeowners and businesses. From timely response and efficient service to quality workmanship and transparent pricing, top-notch plumbing services in Lubbock embody professionalism, integrity, and excellence in everything they do.  Whether you are facing a minor plumbing issue or a major emergency, you can trust that reliable plumbing services will be there for you every step, ensuring your plumbing systems are in good hands. Read Also: Your Ultimate Guide To Buying Plumbing Products Online Trusted Local Solutions: Insights On Balmain Plumbing 10 Plumbing Myths Debunked

READ MOREDetails
Carpet Clean

How to Keep Your Carpet Clean

With all the indoor and outdoor activities, kids, pets and so many people going through your house, it’s not easy to keep your carpets clean. You keep your shoes on, or often let your guests do it, your kids play and make a mess, your pet shed and make a general mess, and your carpet gets the short end. If you don’t maintain it regularly, the damage is often irreversible. That’s why it’s important to follow a few steps in order to keep your carpet in good condition for as long as possible. Of course, having someone to keep your house clean is always the simplest option, and regular deep cleaning is indispensable, but there is still a lot you can do in meantime to keep your carpet clean and fluffy. Here’s what experts at Deluxe Maid had to say about this topic. No Shoes : This can seem like a nuisance at the beginning, both for your family who lives there, and for the guests who come to visit, but your carpet will be very grateful. It’s already normal and accepted in many houses, but there are still people who find it awkward to ask their guests to take off their shoes. Well, you shouldn’t feel awkward. Provide enough comfortable, clean slippers for everyone and they should have no complaints. With their shoes off, they can feel more relaxed and at home, while your carpet is spared all the dirt, mud, germs, dust and other “presents” the guests usually bring on the soles of their shoes. Your carpet will retain its color for a long time and won’t become all faded and shabby so fast, thus its cleaning and maintenance won’t require so much time and effort. Vacuum More Often : Vacuum your carpet whenever you catch a moment. It would be perfect if you had one smaller, more convenient hand vacuum cleaner which you could use more often, especially, but not only in emergency cases of spilling something. It’s important not to let the dirt grind into the carpet, as it becomes close to impossible to completely clean it. So it’s much better and efficient to vacuum often, even just superficially, and have the deep, detailed vacuuming whenever it’s possible, that’s the way the cleaners Indianapolis residents trust the most do it. Again, it will mean less time and effort, and your carpet will look decent for a longer time. Clean the Spills Immediately :  Regardless if it’s something liquid and sticky that requires rubbing, or some particles that require vacuuming, do not postpone at any cost. If you leave it unattended, there are great chances that you or someone else will step in it, spread it, grind it into the carpet, and simply make it worse. You might forget about it, and if it’s a stain, it will dry and merge with your carpet pattern. And you don’t want that. What’s worse, if you let it happen once, you will easily do the same again, and that’s where the real problem starts. It will gradually destroy your carpet without you even noticing it. So don’t postpone the cleaning, take care of those spills immediately, or you will regret later. Get Some Mats : Your carpet should not be a mat, that’s why it’s important to ask your guests to take off their shoes, as already mentioned. But if you really don’t want to do it, at least make sure you have proper doormats at the entrance to your house or apartment. That should at least reduce and mitigate the dirt spreading and the overall damage. You should have good doormats if there’s the “no shoes” rule in your house, as you probably have a carpet in the corridor as well, and your living room carpet isn’t the only one which needs to be kept clean and in good condition. Read Also :  Best-Corded Vacuum Cleaner Run Cleaning In Dallas: Why A Professional Cleaner Is Better Benefits Of Having A Cordless Vacuum Cleaner At Home

READ MOREDetails