The hot Malaysian weather is in full swing and that means one thing: air conditioning. Air conditioners can be expensive to operate, but with a few simple tips, you can save money on your cooling costs. Here are some ways to keep your home cool and comfortable without breaking the bank.
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Close Curtains and Blinds
Keep your home cool and your aircond bill low by investing in some quality curtains or blinds. Heavy curtains can block out the sun’s intense rays, keeping your rooms cooler. Similarly, blinds can be closed to prevent heat from entering through windows. If you have a south- or west-facing home, consider investing in heat-reflective film, which can be applied to windows and will reflect sunlight away from your home.
By closing curtains and blinds, you can keep the sun’s heat out and their air conditioning bills low. And while heat-reflective film can be slightly more costly, it’s worth the investment if you live in a hot climate like Malaysia.
Change Your Air Filter
Dirty air filters are one of the most common reasons for inefficient aircond unit operation. When an air filter is clogged with dirt, dust, and other airborne particles, it puts a strain on the aircond unit, making it work harder to circulate cooled air throughout the home. As a result, energy usage increases, and utility bills go up.
Replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one can help to increase efficiency and lower costs. Regular maintenance such as vacuuming the coils and cleaning the drain line can help to keep your aircond unit running smoothly. For example, if you have a central air system, be sure to have it serviced by a professional at least once a year.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Running the aircond all day can really add up, especially if you have a high-end unit. One way to save money on air conditioning is to use a programmable thermostat. By programming the aircond to only run during certain hours, you can significantly reduce your energy usage. For example, if you’re only home during the day, there’s no need to keep the aircond running all night.
You can also program the thermostat to raise the temperature when you’re away from home, which will further reduce your energy usage. In addition to saving money, using a programmable thermostat can also help to extend the life of your aircond unit. By reducing the amount of time that it’s running, you’ll be putting less wear and tear on the unit, which can help it last longer.
Regular maintenance
Another way to save money on air conditioning is to be proactive about maintenance. Regularly cleaning your air conditioner and changing the filter can help it to run more efficiently and avoid costly repairs. You can clean the coils and housing yourself, but it’s best to have an aircond specialist do it every few years. You should also have your air conditioner serviced by a professional at least once a year. This will help to ensure that it’s running properly and catch any potential problems before they become costly repairs.
Regular maintenance is important for any appliance, but it’s especially important for something as expensive and essential as an air conditioner. By being proactive about maintenance, you can save money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs and extending the life of your unit.
Know When Your Air Conditioner Needs to be Replaced
Older air conditioners are less efficient than newer models, and they often break down more frequently. This causes your energy usage to increase, and your utility bills to go up. If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, it’s probably time for an upgrade.
A newer aircond model will be more energy-efficient, and it will likely last longer than an older model. Newer models often come with features that can further reduce your energy usage. For example, some models have timers that allow you to set the aircond to turn off when you’re not home, or raise the temperature when you are away. This can help you to save money on your energy bills. You can always consult an aircond service specialist to help you decide if it’s time to replace your unit. They can assess your current unit and give you an estimate of how much it would cost to replace it.
Locate and Seal All Drafts
One way to reduce the costs of air conditioning is to locate and seal all drafts in your home. Doors, windows, and other openings can let in hot air from outside, making your aircond work harder than it needs to. By sealing these drafts, you can keep the cool air inside where it belongs. You can seal it yourself with weatherstripping or caulk, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
Sealing drafts is an easy and effective way to reduce your energy usage and lower your air conditioning costs. By keeping the cool air inside and the hot air outside, you can make your air conditioner work less hard, and save more money.
Bottom Line
There are a number of ways to save money on air conditioning. By using a programmable thermostat, being proactive about maintenance, and sealing drafts, you can reduce your energy usage and lower your bills. If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, it’s probably time for an upgrade. A newer model will be more energy-efficient, and it will likely last longer than an older model. Remember to consult a professional before making any decisions about upgrading your unit. They can help you to choose the best model for your home, and ensure that it’s installed properly. By taking these steps, you can keep your home cool and comfortable all day long, without breaking the bank.