One day it’s spring. The next, it feels like standing inside an oven. Utah summers have a way of sneaking up on you, and your air conditioning system takes the hit every single time.
Here is what most homeowners do not know. You do not have to choose between staying cool and keeping costs down. Your local HVAC team at Action Plumbing has spent years helping Utah families do both, and these cooling tips really work.
Read on, and start saving before the next heat wave hits.
Why Utah Summers Hit Your Wallet Hard
Utah summers are dry and intense. July and August are the worst months for home energy use. In fact, cooling costs can make up nearly half of your summer utility bill.
The key to knowing how to lower your AC bill during Utah summers is understanding where the energy goes. Most of it goes to your HVAC system running longer than it needs to. The fix is easier than you think.
Start With Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the brain of your cooling system. Getting the settings right makes a big difference.
Use a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat learns your schedule. It adjusts the temperature when you’re away and cools things down before you get home. This alone can save you up to 10% on your annual cooling costs.
Many smart thermostat models connect to your phone. It is like having a remote control for your home’s comfort. You can change the temperature from anywhere. That means no more coming home to a blazing hot house or wasting energy cooling an empty one.
Try a Programmable Thermostat
Not ready for a smart model? A programmable thermostat is a great step up from manual settings. You set a schedule once and it runs automatically.
Here are some simple thermostat settings that work well for Utah summers.
- Set it to 78 degrees when you’re home
- Raise it to 85 degrees when you’re away
- Drop it back to 78 degrees about 30 minutes before you return
- At night, try 75 to 76 degrees for comfortable sleep
Every degree you raise the thermostat saves about 3% on your cooling costs. Small changes add up fast.
Best Energy-Saving HVAC Tips for July and August
These are the two hottest months of the year in Utah. Here are the best energy-saving HVAC tips to get you through them.
1. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
A dirty filter makes your HVAC system work harder. A clogged filter reduces airflow and forces the system to run longer. This drives up your bill and puts stress on the equipment.
Check your filter every month during summer. Replace it every 30 to 60 days if it looks gray or dirty.
2. Seal Air Leaks
Hot air sneaks in through gaps and cracks, and cool air leaks right out. Both problems waste money.
Check the seals around windows and doors. Add weatherstripping or caulk where needed. It’s cheap to do and the savings add up.
3. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans do not cool the air. But they make the air feel cooler on your skin. That means you can raise your thermostat by about 4 degrees and still feel just as comfortable. Just remember to turn fans off when you leave the room.
4. Block Heat From the Sun
Direct sunlight through windows heats up your home fast. Close blinds and curtains on south-facing and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Blackout curtains or cellular shades work especially well.
5. Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances During Peak Hours
Ovens, dryers, and dishwashers all add heat to your home. Try to run them early in the morning or late in the evening. This keeps your home cooler and reduces the load on your air conditioner.
6. Consider a Portable Air Conditioner for Specific Rooms
If you spend most of your time in one or two rooms, a portable air conditioner can help. You can cool just that space instead of the entire house. It gives you flexibility and can reduce the load on your central system.
Just keep in mind that portable units are less efficient than central systems. Use them as a supplement, not a replacement.
Schedule a Tune-Up Before the Heat Peaks
One of the best cooling energy savings tips we can give you is this: get your system serviced before summer really hits. A professional HVAC tune-up catches small problems before they turn into expensive repairs.
During a tune-up, a technician will check refrigerant levels, clean coils, test electrical components, and make sure everything is running at peak energy efficiency. A system that runs well uses less energy. It’s that simple.
Think of it like an oil change for your car. Skip it too long and you pay the price.
Check Your Home Energy Use Overall
Cooling is the biggest summer expense, but it’s not the only one. Here are a few more ways to trim your home energy costs.
- Upgrade to LED lighting if you have not already. They produce less heat.
- Add insulation to your attic. Heat from the roof transfers down into your living space.
- Use a dehumidifier. Dry air feels cooler, so your AC does not have to work as hard.
- Install a whole-home energy monitor to see exactly where power is going.
Do not overlook your water heater either. It can account for a surprising chunk of your energy use year-round. Lowering the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees is a simple adjustment that reduces standby heat loss and trims costs without any noticeable difference in your hot water supply.
When to Call a Local HVAC Professional
Some things are easy DIY fixes. Others are not. Here are signs it’s time to call in the pros.
- Your system is running constantly but the house stays warm
- You hear strange noises like banging or squealing
- Your energy bill has jumped without a clear reason
- There are warm or cold spots throughout the home
- Your system is more than 10 to 15 years old
Older systems can lose efficiency quickly. Replacing an outdated unit with a modern, high-efficiency system can cut your cooling costs by 20 to 40 percent.
Ready to Save? Action Plumbing Is Here to Help.
You do not have to fight through another expensive Utah summer on your own. Action Plumbing’s local HVAC team is ready to help you get your system running at its best. Whether you need a quick tune-up, a new thermostat installation, or a full system upgrade, we are just a call away.
Contact Action Plumbing Today. Our local HVAC experts serve Utah homeowners all summer long. Schedule your tune-up, get a free estimate, or ask us anything.