Did you know that about 60 percent of your energy bill comes from your HVAC system? Your conditioner alone eats up more than 10 percent of your power supply, and an older and less efficient system can consume more electricity. Since many homes on Maui have old units, you can surmise that many homeowners are spending more on their electric bills than necessary. Reducing air conditioning costs on Maui should be your goal if you want to lower your electric bills and save money.
Here are 10 ways to reduce your cooling costs.
1. Install solar screens.
Windows let you see the outside world, but they also let sunlight in. That sounds a bit romantic, but it’s not when you consider the radiant heat coming in. Windows kept open in summer overheat rooms. Overheated rooms increase cooling demands. Higher air conditioning demands mean bigger electric energy consumption.
The solution to reducing air conditioning costs on Maui is to install solar screens on your windows during warm months. These covers block up to 70 percent radiant heat from getting into your home.
2. Clean your filters.
One of the AC problems on Maui that I see is dirty filters. Air conditioners with dirty filters work harder than those with clean filters. When your AC is working harder, is pulling more energy than necessary to provide the same cooling effect. It’s a minor problem with major consequences in your energy expenditure and your family’s comfort and health. Regular maintenance should take care of this issue, but in some cases replacing your filters is the better decision.
3. Replace an old AC thermostat.
There are a number of reasons for replacing your thermostat. One is reducing air conditioning costs on Maui at home. I advise customers to switch to programmable thermostats. A programmable thermostat with the right settings can make you save up to 15 percent on your energy costs.
4. Plant trees.
Trees shade your home and lessen the amount of solar heat that gets into your house. Houses surrounded by vegetation feel cooler than those surrounded by bare lawns and backyards. Grow your shrubbery, too.
5. Buy the right air conditioner.
If you have no idea about the right size of the air conditioner for your home, you may call us at 808-244- 0161. We can schedule a consultation and compute your cooling needs based on the size of your house, the number of your rooms, and the size of your household.
An undersized or oversized AC bloats your electric bill in different ways. A unit that’s too small for you will go into overdrive trying to cool down your home to no avail. A unit that’s too big for you uses up more electricity than necessary. That’s why it’s important to assess your needs before buying an air conditioner on Maui.
6. Keep your AC in good condition.
Annual AC maintenance on Maui is a good way to keep your unit as efficient as possible even if it’s not new. Your air conditioner will accumulate dirt in various parts as it’s working day in and day out. At some point, enough grime will have accumulated on the condenser, evaporator coils, or drain line. All that sludge negatively affects the functioning of the machine.
7. Seal your doors and windows.
Your house will not cool effectively if it can’t keep cool air indoors or warm air out. Heat seeping into your home through the walls makes your cooling machine work harder. It’s a good idea to check your window and door frames for signs of air leaks.
8. Install attic insulation.
Inspect the attic for signs of poor insulation. If your attic feels like a fireplace in the middle of the day, insulating it should be your priority. Our HVAC technicians at Pacific Air Conditioning can walk you through the technical details of attic insulation.
9. Inspect the ductwork.
Leaky ducts leak cool air into places it’s unwanted. Your home doesn’t cool effectively, and your air conditioner is overworked as a result. You are prevented from reducing air conditioning costs on Maui if you have leaks somewhere in the system.
10. Replace your AC.
Air conditioner replacement on Maui sounds like a major outlay. That’s why many people put it off and opt for having their old units repaired instead. Repairs are good if your AC is less than ten years old. If it has been running for more than a decade and looks worn, you’re better off decommissioning it.
Problems with your air conditioner can prevent you from reducing air conditioning costs on Maui. Call us at 808-244-0161 to schedule a free consultation.