Keep Your Cool and Save 💰

As a financial professional, I’m always looking for ways to help clients be more efficient with their money. Now that summer’s here, staying cool can make electricity bills skyrocket, so here are some strategies to help keep cool and save cash at the same time. 

1. Change your air conditioner’s filter. The most important HVAC maintenance is routinely replacing or cleaning your filters. If they’re clogged or dirty, they’ll block normal airflow and reduce efficiency significantly, meaning more expense and wear and tear on your entire system. Replacing an old filter can lower your AC’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%, meaning you save on your monthly bill. 
   
   
2. Adjust your AC or switch to a SMART thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy says you can save as much as 10% a year by turning your thermostat up 7° to 10°F when you’re not home. Or better yet, automate it! Program a SMART thermostat based on your schedule to keep things cool when you’re home and save money when you’re not – you can always manually override the settings temporarily if needed. Depending on the thermostat model and your energy usage, you can save enough in a year to cover the initial cost of switching.
   
   
3. Maintain your equipment. Regular HVAC maintenance allows your system to operate at peak performance, ensuring optimal functionality, energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and better air quality. A well-maintained system has a longer lifespan with fewer costly breakdowns, and it also consumes less energy, resulting in reduced utility costs and a lighter environmental footprint. Schedule your cooling system’s check-up for early spring with a professional contractor.
   
   
4. Home improvements, from basic to beyond. Many homes are drafty, so check for door and window cracks that may allow AC to escape and install thermal stripping or insulating foam to keep cool air in and hot air out. Invest in thermal blackout curtains or shades for windows in direct sunlight – blocking the sun during the day can reduce heat gain by 33%. Finally, consider an awning for any windows facing south or west. Using a retractable awning in summer can reduce solar heat gain by 65% to 77%, keeping it cooler inside without using any energy at all! 
   
   

If you would like to cool down your spending and heat up your savings, lets have a quick chat.

Schedule a time with Roxanne - CLICK HERE