Summer is in full force and that means so are air conditioning units. As temperatures creep towards triple digits, the need to stay cool becomes very important, especially for older Americans. But when you are on a fixed income, keeping cool can be a challenge because the more you run your AC, the more you run up your bill.
To help save on your monthly utility expenses, there are some maintenance suggestions and tips that can help keep your bill lower.
Change your filters. Not only are changing filters better for people with allergies, but clean filters help your unit run more effectively. Think of it like cleaning out the lint in your dryer. Your clothes dry faster when there is less lint in your filter and your AC unit will work more efficiently with clean filters.
Program your thermostat. Let the temperature of your home rise while you aren’t at home. Yes, it is nice to come home to a cool house, but why keep it at a cooler temperature all day if no one is there? Instead program your thermostat to turn on right before you are scheduled to arrive home. This way you are still coming home to a cool house, but you aren’t running the AC unit all day when no one is home.
Close off rooms you don’t use. There are rooms in every house that are used less than others. Try keeping the doors closed and shades drawn in the rooms you use less frequently. This helps reduce the square footage you are trying to cool down.
Get your system checked by a professional. Scheduling professionals to regularly service your AC unit not only helps your unit run better that season, it also contributes to a longer lifespan of your unit. Like changing the oil in your car, your unit needs to be properly maintained in order to ensure it is working as efficiently as possible.
If you have already tried these tips and still experience higher than normal utility bills, it may be time to consider upgrading your unit. Technology has come a long way and there are many energy efficient appliances that can help lower your monthly utility bills. New AC units can be costly, but there are many rebate programs available to help lower your initial upfront cost on energy efficient items. Or you may want to consider a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) as a way to obtain funds for a new unit. A HECM loan allows you to tap into a portion of your home’s equity so you can pay for the things you need now, including home repairs and renovations. For more information on whether a reverse mortgage may be right for you, dial 1.800.976.6211