St. Louis summers are notorious for hot, humid days. Temperatures commonly soar to the mid and high 90s during June through August, leaving many begging for a break from the sweltering sun. Pools, lakes, and sprinklers offer respite, but the indoor air conditioning ultimately keeps many cool and comfortable during the hot summer days.
HVAC systems require regular maintenance for optimum efficiency and performance. Most heating and cooling professionals recommend yearly maintenance appointments–in the fall to assess the furnace before winter and during the spring to prep the AC for summer. Air conditioning service appointments also improve energy efficiency, lowering utility costs.
When cooling costs are zapping the financial bottom line, use these tips to cool down the heat of utility bills.
Table of Contents:
When to Schedule Air Conditioning Services
The Importance of Regular Homeowner HVAC Maintenance
The Fret About Freon: Why Refrigerant Leaks Are So Uncool
The Cooling Costs of Central Air vs. Mini Splits vs. Portable AC
The Money-Saving Benefits of a Smart Thermostat in Summer
How to Reduce Utility Bills in Summer
Summer Relief: Ameren’s Budget Billing Program
Key Takeaways:
Regular maintenance helps ensure the AC keeps the home cool even during the hottest summer days. Schedule an annual maintenance appointment in spring, and remember to change the air filter to keep the system running efficiently. Simple habits also can help homeowners keep their energy costs down while staying comfortable.
When to Schedule Air Conditioning Services
A poorly performing HVAC system drains energy and leads to soaring utility costs. Saylors Systems Heating and Air recommends that homeowners schedule an AC maintenance appointment in early spring before the heat waves strike the St. Louis region.
During a routine maintenance appointment, our team assesses the functionality and performance of the air conditioning system. Saylors measures the coolant level (and tops it off when necessary), cleans and checks the outdoor compressor, and tests the system's electrical components.
These appointments help homeowners identify any small issues or concerns and fix them before more problems arise. Routine maintenance keeps the system running smoothly to maximize performance and longevity.
Replacing the HVAC system is a large expense for many homeowners. Installation of a new system costs thousands of dollars, which is why preserving the longevity of a current system is so crucial.
The Importance of Regular Homeowner HVAC Maintenance
While a yearly maintenance appointment assesses the system's overall performance and functionality, homeowners are also responsible for some regular maintenance expectations.
Homeowners must replace the air filter of the system every three months, and some systems require a new filter each month. Homeowners need to understand the care needs of their system. Saylors recommends high efficiency air filters.
The Fret About Freon: Why Refrigerant Leaks Are So Uncool
Refrigerant leaks are a common problem, especially for older systems. Homeowners with older HVAC systems should check for leaks regularly. Systems that were installed before 2016 cool using freon. Some homeowners incorrectly assume that freon is illegal or that they must replace a system that cools using freon.
The truth is that freon is no longer produced in the U.S. Homeowners do not need to replace systems that use freon, but the amount of freon available for these systems is limited. HVAC companies may no longer have access to freon and cannot “top off” systems that are low on this coolant.
The Cooling Costs of Central Air vs. Mini Splits vs. Portable AC
Homeowners battling high utility costs often look for solutions to decrease the expenses of cooling off the home. While central air conditioning is one of the most common cooling options, homeowners also could use mini splits or a portable AC. What cooling system is the cheapest option for those on a budget?
Mini-splits are ductless heating and cooling systems. These systems are more expensive than traditional AC systems but more energy efficient. While the initial investment is higher, homeowners enjoy savings over time.
Portable AC systems are the least expensive cooling options, but they also are not very efficient. These small units only cool one room. While they are effective for a short-term solution, they are not ideal to use as a permanent cooling system. Unfortunately, most homes would require many small units to stay cool.
The Money-Saving Benefits of a Smart Thermostat in Summer
The team at Saylors highly recommends smart thermostats. These thermostats allow homeowners to control the temperature of their home remotely via a convenient app. Smart thermostats also let homeowners set programs that automatically initiate per the scheduled times; this means that the temperature adjusts according to the homeowner’s schedule and preferences.
Since homeowners easily control the climate of their home, they also can take control of their energy consumption and monthly costs. These thermostats allow homeowners to monitor their energy use via the app and adjust when necessary.
Smart thermostats are an inexpensive solution for managing temperature control and energy use. Ameren provides rebates for smart thermostats, too!
How to Reduce Utility Bills in Summer
Homeowners who feel hot with anger over their high utility bills also have a bit more control over their costs than they realize. Choosing a programmable or smart thermostat offers more temperature control options, but bad habits also lead to higher cooling costs and an overburdened AC system. During the hottest days of summer, follow these money-saving tips:
Close the curtains during the day. This keeps the heat of the sun from warming up the home and adding a heat burden to the AC
Change the air filter regularly. A clean system functions properly and more efficiently.
Ditch the hot appliances. The oven heats the home, which causes the AC to work harder.
Check for air leaks. Older doors and windows lead to energy leaks in the home. Replace weatherstripping to close up gaps and seal the home.
Use ceiling fans to circulate cool air. During summer, blades should rotate counterclockwise.
Summer Relief: Ameren’s Budget Billing Program
Homeowners also can use another money-management tip to keep high cooling costs in line during the summer. Ameren offers a budget billing program that allows homeowners to pay a set amount each month and better budget their heating and cooling cost. Monthly estimates are based on estimated usage.
Homeowners pay a budgeted amount for 11 months; the final month of the year is the adjustment month. If budget bill estimates were lower than yearly energy consumption, homeowners would pay a larger year-end bill. However, if the consumption is lower (and the monthly budgeted estimate is too high), the final month’s bill will be lower than expected.
When homeowners elect to participate in the budget billing program, every bill indicates whether energy consumption exceeded the budgeted amount (or if they are overpaying the budgeted projection).
Budget billing is not an ideal solution for every homeowner. Still, the program does help keep costs in check by allowing homeowners to understand their expected electricity usage better each month.
Call Saylors for Emergency HVAC Service
Even the most diligent homeowners suddenly discover that their AC suddenly fails to cool the home. When the home heats up because of a failing HVAC system, call Saylors Systems Heating and Air for emergency service. Our team will assess the system, provide you with an estimate for repairs, and get your system up and running again. Call today!
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