Spring is here, which means the summer’s scorching temperatures are right around the corner for a state like Texas. This can be a challenging season for your finances if your air conditioner has seen better days, but you can beat the heat and your budget, too.
Why is an Old Air Conditioner a Problem?
Unlike wine or cheese, an air conditioner doesn’t get better with age. This appliance begins to break down and use more energy over time, taking longer to cool your home in the Texas heat and humidity.
Next thing you know, you’re stuck with a Texas-sized utility bill. It can make you want to turn your A/C off for good.
Of course, once the heat sizzles, you can’t turn off your air conditioner to save money. So let’s focus on the steps you can do to reduce your cooling costs and save money.
Easy Ways to Reduce Your AC Costs
#1: Get a Tune-Up
Routine maintenance extends the lifespan of your air conditioner. It gives you a chance to catch and fix minor problems before they blow up into huge emergencies.
Get an HVAC specialist to look at the inner mechanics to check it’s running well. This check-up can help you avoid preventable repairs and reduce how much energy the machine uses.
#2: Think About the Future
How old is your air conditioner? If it’s between 10 and 15 years, it may be living on borrowed time. Most air conditioners don’t live past 15 years, even with regular maintenance and repairs, so it might be time you replaced it.
Installing a new A/C can run you more than $7,000 depending on the size of your home. Do you have those kinds of savings to cover such an expense soon? If your air conditioner stops working out of the blue, you can stretch your budget with an installment loan online.
Going online to visit a financial institution like MoneyKey is more convenient than making your way to a brick-and-mortar storefront. You can open a few tabs, quickly compare your options between financial institutions, and fill out a simple online application.
Beyond these first steps, MoneyKey arranges installment loans in Texas that you receive and pay off online. This digital payment system means an online installment loan works well under pressure, as you won’t have to take time out of your day to collect cash or deliver a check.
But even the best online loans Texas has to offer to apply interest and finance charges. So, you’ll want to review these costs before you sign a contract to make sure you can handle them.
#3: Help Your A/C Work Easier
Your A/C doesn’t have to work as hard if you’re smart. You can reduce its energy consumption through a combination of good habits and minor repairs.
Start by choosing an appropriate temperature. According to the Public Utility Commission of Texas, you should program your thermostat to 78°F or higher. Every degree of extra cooling increases your energy usage by six to eight percent.
Use fans. An indoor temperature of 78°F is easier to tolerate if you use ceiling and portable fans to circulate cool air.
Don’t let the sun heat your home. Pull down blinds to keep the sun out of the south- and west-facing windows.
Eliminate drafts. Holes in the caulking around doors and windows can let cool air escape. You could see energy savings as high as 30% by filling these holes.
Springtime in Texas is hot, and the summer only gets hotter. Make sure your air conditioner is ready for soaring temperatures. Your wallet will thank you!
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