When it's hot outside, few things are as enjoyable as stepping into your home and being greeted by a rush of cool air that envelops you with comfort.  However, as good as that gust of cold air may feel on your skin, it may not be as enticing to your wallet.  Heating and cooling can account for approximately 48 percent of the total energy usage in an abode, which can quickly add up.  Use this information to learn more about what you can do to maximize the efficiency of your air conditioning system so you can minimize your bill. 

Consider Installing A Smart Thermostat

One measure you can take in your efforts to get a more manageable energy bill is to install a Smart thermostat.  These devices, when used properly, can save as much as 15 percent off of your cooling expenses.

The Smart thermostat differs from the more traditional version because it is connected to the Internet via the wireless fidelity (WI-FI) system in your home.  Using this connection, it carefully tracks your daily usage.  For example, if you always turn the AC off when you leave for work during the day, this is noted.  If you arrive home at about 5:30 PM each day and immediately crank the AC back up, this is also tracked.  After a period of time, the Smart thermostat is so familiar with your routine that it automatically lifts and lowers the temperature according to the ebbs and flows that you've taught it.

Because the Smart thermostat is connected to the Internet, it uses global positioning system (GPS) information to determine the weather in your region.  If there is a particularly warm day on the horizon, the thermostat changes so that the additional influx of heat won't make the AC unit have to work so hard.  Little measures such as these can go a long way toward making your energy bill more manageable.

Don't Forget The Little Things

There are also a number of smaller things you can do around the house to drive down your bill.  If you happen to be in a room and notice that it's not getting cool enough, don't turn up the thermostat; shut the door.  This prevents diffusion so that the cool air will concentrate in a controlled space.

Also, consider weather stripping your doors and windows since these are two areas where indoor air can escape outside and cause your AC to go into overdrive to restore internal temperatures.

Keeping your AC bill at an affordable rate doesn't have to be difficult if you know what to do.  Use these tips so you can avoid sticker shock the next time your statement arrives. 

For further assistance, contact local professionals, such as those from Daryl's Heating & Air Inc.