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The summer months in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can be quite challenging. High temperature, humidity, and spikes in energy bills make life uncomfortable. Whether you are in Lehigh Valley or anywhere across the rural communities in New Jersey, you must have noticed a dramatic increase in bills. It is because in summer, air conditioners keep running for hours.
The good news? We have crafted this blog to alleviate your frustration. It goes far beyond the maintenance, servicing, and tune-ups. It will help you combine smarter HVAC use, small lifestyle tweaks, and awareness of utility programs. As a result, you will enjoy better cooling at reduced energy bills.
Let’s uncover those tricks.
Real savings come from using your HVAC system smartly. The following are some notable additions in this regard:
Shift the cooling from the entire building to only the rooms that are in use. It is the key to reducing energy consumption and, ultimately, reducing the utility bills. You can either install a damper-based zoning system or install a residential or commercial mini split system, depending on the property.
A smart thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature of your space according to the climate needs. Especially when you are away, it can slightly raise the temperature. This slight and timely shifting can have a significant impact on your energy bills.
Ceiling fans don’t cool the air. They make you feel cooler due to ventilation. When you pair your air conditioner operations with ceiling fans, there is a lower load on your AC. It also helps you take control of your cooling bills.
If your AC is older than 10 or 15 years, upgrading it is a better choice. Modern air conditioners are efficient. They consume less energy and provide better comfort. We recommend choosing a high-efficiency SEER2-rated system to enjoy reliable comfort at lower prices.
Pro Tip: Don’t ignore the minor adjustments. Collectively, they play a great role in lowering your monthly cooling bills.
Both PECO and PSE&G offer fantastic relief programs to help you reduce your monthly energy bills. Those offers can push you closer to your cost-saving goals.
These programs are designed to make upgrades more affordable. If you have to spend a lot on your commercial or residential AC repairs, replacement could be a better choice. You can contact the Lehigh HVAC team to guide you about those offers and check your eligibility.
Multiple utilities reward HVAC users for lowering their energy use. This is most of the time in terms of credits. You can benefit from those programs with a minor adjustment in your routine. For example, running a dishwasher or laundry early in the morning can help you claim those credits.
These programs are often for low-income customers. If you qualify, you can get direct relief for your bills. Programs like PECO’s Low-Income Usage Reduction Program or PSE&G’s CAP are worth mentioning here.
You can also reduce your energy bills by adjusting your daily life activities. Smart shifts and minor adjustments are all that you need to adopt.
On one side, your AC does the hard work of cooling your space; on the other, direct sunlight adds heat. This channel must be blocked to prevent excessive use of energy. We recommend using curtains, blinds, or reflective film to block direct sunlight in your space.
Many household appliances, such as ovens, dryers, and dishwashers, generate heat. This heat adds to the temperature and makes the AC work harder. Using these appliances during cooler hours reduces the load on the air conditioning unit.
The setting of your AC components impacts the energy consumed. Especially, it happens with the thermostat. Setting your thermostat to a couple of degrees higher can reduce bills without compromising comfort.
The conditioned air can escape through the small holes and cracks in your house. Especially, the cracks in the ductwork can contribute to air leakage to a greater extent. Sealing all those cracks and leaks can keep your space cool for hours even if the AC stops working.
Here is a brief breakdown of how minor adjustments can reduce your monthly energy bills.
|
Investment |
Summer Savings Potential |
|
Ceiling Fans |
$10–$30/month |
|
Window Films / Blinds |
$5–$15/month |
|
Smart Thermostat |
$10–$40/month |
|
HVAC System Upgrade |
Up to 20% reduction on the cooling portion of the bill |
Reducing PECO and PSE&G bills in the summer is possible with adjustments in the system, associated components, and your routine. Make sure your system is efficient, and all the components are cleaned, optimized, and up-to-date. Consider integrating smart thermostats, zoning systems, and associated components. Additionally, take advantage of the offers by utility programs in your region.
