As the summer months begin to approach with increasing speed, many consumers are already preparing themselves for a significant rise in utility costs. Air conditioning bills, in particular, will add further expense to the typical outgoings of modern Los Angeles homes when warmer temperatures finally arrive. An effective air conditioning maintenance plan and a methodical approach to increasing efficiency can help homeowners enjoy a wider range of financial savings.

Thermostat Control

Always set the thermostat of air conditioning units to 78°F during the day, the ideal ambient temperature for Los Angeles residential and business properties. Many homeowners lower the thermostat setting to bring temperatures down faster, but the unit will still cool rooms down at the same pace. Continual adjustment of the thermostat control has a negative impact on air conditioning efficiency and increases running costs.

Controlling Light

Always block out as much natural sunlight as possible, especially if a home is going to be empty for long periods during the day. By keeping curtains and blinds closed, especially on windows that face in an easterly or westerly direction, warming ultraviolet rays are repelled and this minimises the amount of effort an air conditioning unit has to carry out. Reverse the procedure after sunset by leaving curtains, blinds and windows open so that heat can escape. Both of these methods will improve efficiency enough to reduce summer air conditioning bills.

During the Night

Temperatures may drop considerably overnight, so consider the use of ceiling and freestanding fans as an alternative to air conditioning units. Fans use less energy and this makes them more cost-effective. It can also be more efficient to keep air conditioning units running while households are sleeping, but further financial savings can be enjoyed if the thermostat temperature is increased until morning while fans are in use.

Minimising Household Temperatures

Make use of household exhaust fans to draw warm air out of rooms. This is a particularly efficient method of lowering kitchen temperatures during cooking, and minimises the amount of energy air conditioning units consume. Homes without exhaust fans can use floor fans to create a similar effect.

Dehumidifiers

Increased humidity creates additional discomfort. Using a humidifier to regulate the air inside a home can be effective method of controlling energy costs. In many instances, humidifiers and air conditioning units can be used in tandem, but the additional impact of the humidifier means that air conditioning units can be set to higher temperatures that subsequently reduce energy usage.

Air Conditioning Service and Repair

One of the key components to increased energy efficiency is an active air conditioning maintenance program. A unit that is serviced regularly will work to its optimised potential and this will help to minimise utility costs. Repairs should always be carried out and soon as faults become obvious, as a poorly functioning unit will consume more energy than a working model.

Aladdin Air Conditioning and Heating provide an extensive range of servicing and repair solutions in Los Angeles and Ventura County. Precision tune-ups start at just $77, and Aladdin Club members can enjoy discounts of up to 20% on all air conditioning maintenance procedures. From Ventura County to Thousand Oaks and the San Fernando Valley, Aladdin Air Conditioning and Heating is your first-choice option for industry expertise, outstanding customer service and superior levels of workmanship.