Three Ways To Save Money During This Back To School Season

Don’t Leave for School Drop-Off Without Doing These 3 Things!

Summer is nearly over - at least as far as the kids are concerned - and it’s time to get back into the routine of the school year. For most parents, that means some hectic mornings are on the horizon - getting everyone out of bed, packing lunches, taking the kids to school, making it to work on time… the usual.

But even amidst the chaos, there are a few quick things every homeowner can do before they head out the door in the morning that will help save a nice chunk of change for the kids’ college fund. How? By cutting down on the home’s energy usage. Heating and cooling account for most of the average home’s energy consumption, but a few minor changes can make a significant difference in the utility bill. So read on to find out how it’s done!

Close the Blinds and Curtains

First up is a pretty easy one - closing the blinds and drawing the curtains. Sunlight pouring in through the windows may make an ideal napping space for the cat, but it also brings a considerable amount of heat with it. This extra heat will create more work for the air conditioner and drive up the home’s energy bill.

Closing curtains and blinds will help keep the house cooler throughout the day, especially those on the west-facing side of the house since these windows receive the full brunt of the afternoon sun. This is such an important consideration that HVAC specialists and energy auditors consider the number and location of windows when calculating a home’s energy efficiency or determining the correct HVAC unit size.

Raise the Thermostat Temperature a Few Degrees

Next up is an even easier way to save on energy costs - turning up the thermostat. Just like keeping out sunlight by closing blinds, this is a tactic to help reduce the HVAC unit’s workload throughout the day. Raising the temperature by a few degrees while everyone’s at work or school can lead to significant savings - the Department of Energy estimates that dialing back the thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save around 10% on annual energy costs. The best part is, with a programmable or “smart” thermostat, this doesn’t need to be done manually every day.

Replace the Air Filter Regularly

Lastly - and easiest of all - is simply changing the HVAC air filter on time. Luckily, this also doesn’t have to be done every day (hopefully!), but it’s such an important part of an air conditioner’s efficiency and overall health that it bears mentioning. A dirt-laden air filter will constrict airflow to the unit, causing it to strain and perform poorly.

Not only will this drive up energy costs as the unit draws more power to keep up with the thermostat’s demands, but it will also cause premature wear and tear. A clean air filter with good airflow will keep the unit performing at peak capacity. Replacing the filter every 3 months is a good baseline, but some homeowners may need to change it more frequently if their homes tend to see a lot of dust, dirt, or pet hair and dander.

About Albritton Service Co

Albritton Service Co has been handling Ruston, LA's HVAC and electrical needs since 1982. Their courteous and attentive technicians are licensed, insured, drug-tested, and background-checked for the safety and comfort of every customer. They back every job with a complete satisfaction guarantee and are available for emergency service 24/7, 365 days a year. Call now for AC services!

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