Go Green, Save Some Green: How to Lower Your AC Bill (and Keep More $$$ in Your Wallet)

Summer might be coming to an end for many people around the U.S., but for those of us in Florida, we still have many more weeks of warm temperatures left. Because of our year-round mild climate, and many months of above-average temps, our energy bills tend to be much higher than those of our northern neighbors, and over time, it can put a strain on your budget. Who really wants to spend their hard earned cash on an AC bill? 

Lowering your AC bill could be a few simple steps away. A few of our tried and true tips for saving energy (and money) are: 

Call in the insulation pros! Having a professional company come in and add insulation to your attic and/or crawlspace can lower your energy costs significantly since your home loses much of its cool air (and harbors a lot of heat) in these areas. By investing in the pros instead of making this a DIY project, you're protected in the case of something going wrong, and your insurance will still be viable. Invest in those curtains you've been eyeing. By covering windows, glass doors, and other areas of your home where sunlight tends to be an issue during the day, you'll lower the temperature of the room and therefore will lessen the amount of energy needed to cool the space. It's no secret when you're outside that it's cooler in the shade than in the sun. The same is true inside your home! When it's time for dinner, take it outside! Cooking outdoors is a wonderful way to lower energy consumption in your home. By throwing dinner on the grill not only are you saving energy by not using your appliances, but you're also keeping your home cooler, meaning your AC runs less and saves you some cash. Replace your filters. Perhaps the easiest and cheapest way to lower your bill is by replacing your AC filters routinely. Monthly filter changes are suggested, as this keeps your system running efficiently and therefore it doesn't need to run as long. AC maintenance is key in keeping your energy bills low, and Ridge Energy Savers is proud to offer maintenance services to the greater Polk County area. Our routine inspections check coils, coolant levels, connections, and even the filters themselves! By catching problems early, you keep your system at its very best, which saves money in the long run. Give us a call and make your appointment before your next energy bill comes in.

Keeping Cool with Your Pooch: System Maintenance Tips for Homeowners with Pets

Pets add a lot to our families, and often, they are considered an actual member of the family. Because of this, they spend time indoors and outdoors right alongside you, and benefit from the same cooling or heat provided by your HVAC system. However, your pet poses some risks to your systems that you might not realize, but should be mindful of if you want to keep your AC running at its best. We've divided our tips into two categories: indoor and outdoor issues you could face with your AC unit if you have a pet. Those are...

Indoors

Inside your home, your pet stays nice and cozy...but it also continually sheds hair and dander. These can quickly clog your filter, and not only decrease the air quality in your home significantly (read: worse allergies for you and your family) but can also harm the function of your AC system. To keep your unit running at top efficiency, change the filter out routinely, preferably once a month, and keep a close eye on it for any buildup in between changes. Additionally, vacuum up pet hair on a regular basis to keep it from reaching your filter in the first place, which will save you money on excessive filter changes over time. Finally, if you have floor vents in your home, keep pets from sleeping on top of them, as this limits air flow and isn't good for the temperature of your house OR your AC/heating system. 

Outdoors

Outside, your pet can cause damage to your actual AC unit by climbing on it, scratching it, or worse...going potty on it. The AC unit is a common place for pets to mark, and over time urine can cause corrosion of the unit, and that will lead to other issues with your system. Be mindful of where your pet is using the restroom, and if possible, enclose your AC unit with fencing or barrier to keep it separate from children and pets altogether. Bonus? It's much less of an eyesore if you choose an attractive fencing option, and your curb appeal will increase! Another benefit of enclosing your unit is that it keeps all wires and cords protected from pets who like to chew, which is another issue owners can face, specifically those with dogs. 

If your AC system is acting up, whether it's your pet's fault or not, you know who to call. Ridge Energy Savers will ALWAYS come to the rescue, and we are proud to serve the greater Polk County area with only the best in service. We are committed to making each client feel like a top priority, so give us a call when you need help to keep your cool (or warm up, thanks to the recent Florida temperatures)!