LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

Care for your air conditioner and it will take care of you!

As temperatures continue to increase this summer so does our appreciation for air conditioning. To keep your AC running efficiently this summer without heating up your electric bill, follow these simple tips:

Call a professional:
Have your AC unit serviced annually by a reputable HVAC professional. Tune-ups usually cost anywhere from $70 to $100.

Clean your filters:
Check your air filters once a month and clean or replace as necessary. Dust and allergens are especially bad during summer so keep an eye on your filters to avoid clogs. Clogs will make your AC work harder which means more electricity used.

Protect your thermostat:
Keep heat-producing appliances (lamps, television sets, etc.) away from your thermostat. Thermostats run longer than necessary when they sense heat.

Touch that dial:
Each degree below 78 increases your energy consumption by almost 8 percent! Be wise when setting your thermostat. To make your life easier while keeping costs low, consider investing in a programmable thermostat.

Keep the cool air in:
Ensure that you don’t have any leaks in caulking and weather-stripping. If needed, add insulation around AC ducts.

Feel your fan:
Switch your ceiling fans counterclockwise in the summer. This pushes the cool air down which can cool your skin without heating up your electric usage. Although the cost to run ceiling fans is substantially lower than AC, always remember to turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room.

Consider window tint:
Window tint helps to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter which can make a difference on your electric bill.

For more energy saving tips, visit www.lcec.net.