Ways to Lower Your AC Costs in Ottawa this Summer

While we all wait for the warm weather after the cold hard days of winter, the Ottawa summer is not something to treat lightly. Scorching hot heat waves can force people inside for weeks at a time and push HVAC units to their max to keep homes cool. An air-conditioned home can lead to quick relief from the heat, but it can also lead to high utility bills and repair costs if not properly maintained. But it does not have to be this way.

5 Tips for Reducing Your AC Bills During the Summer

Fortunately, staying cool in the summer does not have to come with steep AC bills. There are a few simple tricks and hacks which a savvy homeowner can employ to stay out of the heat without feeling the burn in your bank account.

Here are some helpful tips for you to follow:

1. Check your windows: Particularly in older homes, or ones that get a lot of direct sunlight, windows are probably one of the main factors leading to steep AC bills. However, if you are not willing to undertake an expensive upgrade, there are some easier solutions you can use to minimize costs. By resealing your windows where necessary and installing blackout blinds on windows that get a lot of direct sunlight, you can greatly cut down the loss of cool air in your home.
2. Install a programmable thermostat: So much money is wasted every year cooling homes that are empty for several hours a day. By installing a programmable thermostat, you can take control of when your AC unit is cooling your house, ensuring it is only used when needed and shuts off when the desired temperature is reached.
3. Use fans when possible: Plug-in and ceiling fans are a great solution when you only need cooling in a single room or for a short amount of time. They consume relatively little power and do not waste money cooling rooms you are not spending time in.
4. Replace HVAC filters: A lot of people neglect their HVAC filters, letting layer upon layer of particulates build up. This can greatly reduce the performance of an HVAC unit while putting extra strain on the system. This not only consumes more power but also can reduce the lifespan of an HVAC unit in the long run.
5. Get your AC system serviced: By far the best way to keep you AC bills down is to have your HVAC unit regularly serviced by a trained professional. They will be able to identify any issues with a unit which might be causing it to run inefficiently, increasing power consumption.

Keeping an HVAC unit in good condition, with regular services and performance checks not only keeps AC bills manageable during the hot Ottawa summers, but also ensures the long-term performance of the unit. Choose an HVAC maintenance service that cares not only about selling top notch air-conditioning units but also about ensuring you get the most out of your investment. By hiring our team at The Energy Centre, you can get the advice and support you need to guarantee AC efficiency and cost-savings through even the hottest Ottawa summers.

Call The Energy Centre at 613-746-7000 or contact us online for more information about our cooling products and AC repair services.