Relocating to Las Vegas | How to Save Energy and Money on Air Conditioning During Southern Nevada

How to Save Energy and Money on Air Conditioning During Southern Nevada

Article By: Nevada Energy Star Partners

Simple Steps Help to Save the Environment and Your Wallet

Now in the full swing of summer and its triple-digit temperatures, homeowners begin to struggle between the comfort of an air conditioned home
and an increase in summer cooling costs. Despite the 100-degree heat, desert dwellers can keep cool, reduce energy usage and save money with a few simple steps.

Just like your car, your air conditioning system needs regular tune-ups to run at peak performance. Most people either don’t realize or don’t follow
through with A/C maintenance, which results in using a larger amount of energy than necessary. That means higher energy bills when you use your air conditioning unit. If you’re panicking over the thought of your first summer power bill, simple conservation can help. The following tips can help you reduce energy usage and save money on air conditioning this summer:

Increase the temperature on your thermostat by one or two degrees, especially while you are sleeping. You can save an average of one to three percent on your cooling bill for each degree the thermostat is set above 72 degrees.

Change your air filter every month. A dirty air filter may slow air flow and make the system work harder to cool your home, resulting in wasted energy. Clean air filters also help prevent expensive repairs and A/C system failure. Unless you have respiratory or health issues, the inexpensive air filters are fine. In fact, some of the heavier filters can restrict air flow.

Seal your heating and cooling ducts. Air conditioning ducts are frequently found to be huge energy wasters. Sealing and properly insulating these ducts keeps air from escaping between walls and in attics or garages, and can improve energy efficiency by as much as 20 percent, sometimes more.

Have a programmable thermostat installed. If you are away from home during set hours during the day – at school or work – a timer-programmed thermostat that can increase the temperature in your home while you are away is ideal and can save you $180 to $200 a year in energy costs. If your home doesn’t have a programmable thermostat, and you do not want to buy one, make it part of your routine to change the thermostat before you leave in the morning.

Get an annual tune-up. It doesn’t cost a lot and regular air conditioning maintenance keeps a system running properly and includes inspection of electrical connections, condensate drain, refrigerant levels and system controls. A yearly tune-up also includes lubrication of moving parts, cleaning dirty coils, and cleaning and adjusting blower components.

Replace your HVAC system. If your current system is more than 10 years old or is no longer keeping your house comfortable, have it checked out. If you decide to upgrade, consider replacing it with an ENERGY STAR unit designed to improve energy efficiency and lower costs. Any work you have done on your A/C system should be performed by a qualified contractor. In addition to having active Nevada licensure, they should be bonded and insured and have Environmental Protection Agency certification. Your safest bet is to go with a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR-affiliated A/C contractor.

Chris Cadwell is co-founder and operations manager for Las Vegas-based Distinct ENERGY Performance, a leading residential and commercial energy performance contractor that provides energy-efficient analysis and improvements for both residential and commercial structures to create high performing properties. For more information, please visit the web site at www.DistinctENERGYPerformance.com or call 702.256.SAVE.