In summer, average highs in Baton Rouge climb into the 90s, and air conditioners go into overtime to keep up. It’s not unusual to see your utility bills spike, but that doesn’t mean that you’re powerless against this rising expense. Try these tricks to lower your energy bills while keeping your home cool and comfortable.

Schedule AC Maintenance

Routine AC maintenance is essential for an efficient and affordable cooling system. As part of our tune-ups, we thoroughly inspect, clean, and adjust the critical components in your air conditioner. This will help you enjoy better efficiency throughout the cooling season. Systems that are well-maintained also suffer from fewer breakdowns and have a longer lifespan.

Change Your HVAC Air Filters

You should change the air filter in your HVAC system at least once every three months. However, you may want to make this swap more often, particularly if you have a lot of dust, dander, or pollen in the air. A clean air filter makes it easier for air to circulate freely throughout your home. This means that your AC system won’t have to work as hard to keep things cool.

Use Your Ceiling Fan Efficiently

When you have a ceiling fan running, you can comfortably raise the temperature on your thermostat a few degrees. This is because ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect as the air blows across your skin. In summer, you want your fans to rotate counterclockwise, so they’re pushing cool air down. Always turn fans off when you leave the room to keep your energy bills low.

With small changes like these, you can lower your energy bills this summer and enjoy more affordable comfort. If you’ve noticed an unexplained increase in your power bills, your air conditioner may need more extensive service. Contact our team at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Baton Rouge for all your cooling needs.