Ever since summer arrived in Jacksonville, Florida, you’ve noticed your utility bills rising. Don’t let high costs keep you from enjoying your summer. Cut utility expenses by addressing these causes of reduced energy efficiency:
Neglecting HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system is one of the main factors affecting your utility costs, and neglecting its care can cause spikes in your bills. Continuous operation wears on your HVAC system, making it use more energy as it tries to maintain comfort in your home.
Regular professional HVAC maintenance addresses this wear before it leads to increases in your utility bills. However, neglecting maintenance can allow minor wear to become larger issues, like a snapped belt or a broken component.
Schedule regular HVAC maintenance for your air conditioning system. Doing so helps keep energy and repair costs under control.
Inefficient Cooling
Your cooling habits also impact your utility expenses. The harder you run your air conditioner, the more energy it consumes. Jacksonville summers are hot, but turning your home into a cool spring morning will send your energy bills soaring. Instead of dramatically lowering the temperature, program your thermostat to keep your living space around 75 degrees while you’re home and closer to 80 when you’re away.
Air Leaks
If you have an air leak somewhere in your home, conditioned air can escape while warm air enters your living space. This heat transfer strains your air conditioner as it tries to maintain comfort, leading to wasted energy and higher utility bills.
Air leaks can occur in ductwork, around windows and doors, and in unfinished areas like the attic. Seal leaks around windows with fresh caulk and around doors with weatherstripping. Have a professional HVAC service technician check for leaks in your air ducts.
Address these causes of high utility costs at their source to help lower your monthly bills. To maintain your air conditioner and reduce energy usage, contact Ed's Comfort Solutions at (904) 849-2656.
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