SANTA FE, NM – MAY 14, 2019 – James Plumbing and Heating seeks to cool down customers’ air conditioning costs with some tips on how to use your air conditioner less this summer.
James Plumbing and Heating’s HVAC technicians repair air conditioning units throughout the Santa Fe area. Among tips is making sure air conditioners are maintained regularly and operating at peak efficiency.
Installing energy-efficient air conditioners and programmable thermostats help reduce costs but systems must be maintained to get the peak savings possible. Air conditioning units must work harder when dirty filters block airflow. Cleaning and replacing filters once a month will reduce energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent.
James Plumbing and Heating owner James Martinez said that homeowners should also make sure floor registers aren’tblocked with dust and that furniture isn’t placed over floor registers if homes have central cooling systems.
Setting thermostats as high as comfortable can also reduce use this summer because it will lower overall cooling bills. People can lower the temperature to cool their house when they are home and set it higher when the house is vacant and does not need cooled. A programmable thermostat can make this easier.
Closing curtains, blinds and shades provides a cost-free way to reduce the use of air conditioners. Light-colored hues can deflect the sun’s rays while having highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by more than 40 percent.
Martinez said certain activities like drying clothes and washing dishes during the day can build up heat in homes during the day. He suggested washing dishes by hand and letting them air dry and hanging clothes on a clothesline instead of using a dryer. People can also wait until evening to use these appliances.
Utility providers and local contractors can analyze costs by completing a home energy audit and checking for leaks that let the cold air seep out of homes. Martinez said another way to check is to walk around the outside of the home and feel along windows and doors for any cold air escaping.
Upgrades like smart thermostats can help regulate heating and cooling easily by letting people adjust settings remotely using their smartphones. Homeowners can also make sure thermostats are placed on the right wall, as thermostats placed next to hot windows will make air conditioners turn on more often.
“Feel free to call us for advice as well as whenever you need preventive maintenance or repairs done to your air conditioning unit,” Martinez said.
James Plumbing and Heating installs cost-efficient HVAC systems and services all leading brands of heating and cooling systems. State-registered, highly trained technicians handle all installations and repairs.
For more information about James Plumbing and Heating, visit its website at https://www.jamesplumbingandheating.com or call 505-473-7148.