Air Repair

The appliances that homeowners in Belleair, FL, rely on for cooking and cleaning have become more efficient over the last decade, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), and that’s resulted in significant energy savings. Unfortunately, those savings have been offset by an increased use of electronics like computers, televisions and video game consoles.

More homes have central air conditioning than ever before too. In 1980, less than 25 percent of homes had central AC. Today, more than 60 percent of American homes are equipped with central cooling systems. You can save the most money on your electrical bills by concentrating on reductions in energy consumption of your home’s biggest energy spenders.

Banish Energy Vampires

The EIA reports that the average American home has 2.5 televisions. Around 35 percent of households have multiple computers and nearly 30 percent have at least four electronic devices that require recharging every day. Many home electronics continue to draw power when not in use. Any device with LED lights is using electricity whether it’s on or off. Plug energy vampires into power strips so that you can cut off power at the source by flicking off the switch. If you don’t wish to turn off your computer completely, set it to switch to hibernate mode when not in uses and save $75 or more on your annual electrical costs.

Money-Saving Tips for Air Conditioning Systems

According to the EIA, residential air conditioning in sunny Florida accounts for around 27 percent of household energy consumption, four times more than the national average. These money-saving tips can significantly lower your cooling costs:

• Schedule Preventive Air Conditioning Service. Professional AC tune-ups ensure that your cooling system operates at optimal energy efficiency. A study by the EPA found that well-maintained HVAC systems use up to 25 percent less energy than neglected systems. Your system will last longer and need fewer repairs when you enroll in a seasonal maintenance program.
• Air Seal Your Home. Any crack or gap that lets hot air into your home forces your AC to run longer. Address common sources of air filtration such as drafty windows and doors or gaps around utility entrances in exterior walls.
• Have Your Ductwork Pressure Tested. The EPA estimates that around 20 percent of the air that passes through ductwork is lost to leaks. A professional pressure test will indicate whether you can save money by sealing and insulating the ducts.

Know When to Upgrade

An outdated plasma television can account for as much as 10 percent of your home’s annual energy consumption. Replacing the set with an Energy Star qualified LED model can save you a bundle. The same applies to older refrigerators and air conditioners as well. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that replacing older cooling systems with high efficiency air conditioners can save consumers as much as 40 percent on household cooling costs.

At Air West Air Conditioning, we’re proud to offer products and services that help you save money on electricity, from tune-ups to innovative AC systems. To learn more money-saving tips or to schedule service, contact us today.