Tag: cooling

Simple Tips to Help Save On Cooling Costs This Summer

Person inserting a coin into a pink piggy bank, symbolizing savings and financial tips for reducing cooling costs in HVAC maintenance.

Ways to Save Money While Staying Comfortable

If homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their energy bills without having to sacrifice comfort this summer, some simple tips can help. This post will share ways to reduce cooling costs while maintaining a cool and comfortable home. 

AC Maintenance and Replacing Air Filters 

Annual air conditioner maintenance is a crucial part of home maintenance that can also help reduce cooling costs. So, if homeowners have not scheduled professional AC maintenance yet this year, it is not too late to benefit from it. Annual AC tune-ups allow professionals to perform important tasks to keep the air conditioner energy-efficient and inspect crucial components to identify any issues that may be causing inefficiency and high energy costs.

Routine air filter replacement is also essential for energy efficiency and keeping energy bills low. Clogged and dirty air filters cause the system to operate inefficiently, resulting in higher energy costs. So, homeowners should check their AC filters monthly and replace them when dirty, typically every one to three months. Regular air conditioning maintenance and AC filter replacement not only result in better efficiency and lower cooling costs, but they can also extend the lifespan of the air conditioner, reduce the risk of problems, and improve indoor air quality. 

Use Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fan with sleek design and five blades, mounted on a white ceiling, illustrating energy-efficient cooling solutions for homeowners.When ceiling fans are used with air conditioning in the summer, they can help homeowners save money on cooling costs. This is because when a ceiling fan rotates counterclockwise during the summer months, it creates a wind-chill effect that makes people feel around four degrees cooler, allowing them to raise the thermostat by four degrees to reduce energy usage and save on energy costs without sacrificing comfort. 

Homeowners can also use ceiling fans to save on their heating costs in the winter by adjusting the settings of the ceiling fan. While ceiling fans should spin counterclockwise at a higher speed in the summer, during the winter, they should spin clockwise at a low speed to move the warm air trapped at the ceiling down, making it feel warmer.

Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostat displaying temperature setting of 74°F, illustrating energy-saving features for homeowners to reduce cooling costs.A smart thermostat installation is another way homeowners can reduce their utility costs, not just in the summer, but all year. They have several energy-saving features and can automatically adjust temperatures based on the daily schedules of household residents to ensure the home is comfortable when occupied, but saves energy when empty.   

Smart thermostats are controlled from smartphones, tablets, or other devices with a Wi-Fi connection. This allows homeowners to be able to adjust their smart thermostats even when out of the house, providing convenience and the ability to adjust to a more energy-saving feature, such as vacation mode, as needed to save on their energy bills. 

About SOS Heating & Cooling

SOS Heating & Cooling is a locally-owned company that has been serving the Omaha area since 1950. They offer competitive prices, quick solutions, and trusted technicians. Call them for air conditioning services in Omaha, NE. 

Tips for Breaking Bad Cooling and Heating Habits This New Year

Air conditioning unit on a brick wall, surrounded by greenery, highlighting SOS Heating & Cooling's HVAC solutions.

Ways Homeowners Can Avoid Common Heating and Cooling Errors

Homeowners may be making major mistakes when using their heating and cooling systems without realizing it. The new year is the perfect time for property owners to break bad habits. 

Without knowing it, homeowners may make crucial mistakes that increase energy bills, reduce comfort, and lead to expensive repairs. Changing these habits can make their systems more efficient and save them money. This blog post will share some tips for homeowners to help them break bad habits and keep their heating and cooling systems running correctly.

Regularly Change the Air Filter

Air filters comparison showing a dirty filter on the left and a clean filter on the right, emphasizing the importance of regular HVAC maintenance for improved airflow and indoor air quality.Homeowners may overlook the importance of changing their HVAC system’s air filters, but this simple task is crucial for maintaining efficiency, protecting the system, and improving indoor air quality. Replacing air filters about every 1 to 3 months is essential for maintenance.

Air filters trap dust, dirt, and allergens, preventing them from circulating through the home or affecting the HVAC system. Regular air filter replacement offers several benefits:

  • Improved Airflow: Clean filters keep air flowing freely, ensuring the HVAC system operates more efficiently and lowering utility bills.
  • Better Indoor Air Quality: Fresh filters capture airborne particles, creating a healthier indoor environment.
  • Reduced Strain on the System: Clean filters prevent overworking, extending the system’s lifespan and reducing the risk of breakdowns and repairs.

To avoid these risks, homeowners should regularly check and replace their air filters, especially if they have pets, allergies, or dusty conditions. By prioritizing this simple task, homeowners can extend the lifespan of their HVAC systems, reduce their energy bills, and create a healthier home.

Don’t Shut Vents

Hand adjusting a floor air vent, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper airflow for HVAC efficiency and avoiding energy waste.Homeowners should avoid the bad habit of closing air vents in unused rooms. Doing this can harm their HVAC system rather than save energy. How? Blocking vents disrupts airflow balance and causes:

  • Increased System Strain: The system works harder to push air through fewer vents, putting unnecessary stress on the blower motor and ductwork.
  • Uneven Temperatures: Disrupted airflow leads to hot and cold spots throughout the home.
  • Higher Energy Costs: Restricted airflow reduces efficiency, increasing energy consumption and utility bills.

Instead of closing vents, homeowners should use a smart or programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures efficiently based on their schedule. Keeping vents open and using smarter energy-saving strategies, like installing a smart thermostat, can benefit homeowners in numerous ways. This can keep the HVAC system running longer and improve energy efficiency.

Book Routine HVAC Maintenance

Many homeowners neglect routine air conditioning and heating maintenance, leading to costly repairs and reduced system performance. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure an HVAC system runs efficiently and reliably.

When homeowners hire a professional to perform heating and air conditioner maintenance, they can experience numerous advantages. These can include:

  • Early Problem Detection: Technicians can identify and resolve minor issues before they become expensive repairs.
  • Improved Energy Efficiency: A clean, tuned-up system uses less energy, lowering utility bills.
  • Extended System Lifespan: Routine care reduces wear and tear, helping the system last longer and more reliably.

However, failing to perform regular AC and heater maintenance can result in negative impacts, including:

  • Frequent Breakdowns: Lack of care increases the likelihood of unexpected system failures.
  • Reduced Efficiency: Neglected maintenance hinders performance, increasing energy costs.
  • Voided Warranties: Many manufacturers require proof of maintenance to honor warranties, leaving homeowners liable for costly repairs.

To keep their heaters and air conditioners running efficiently and correctly, homeowners should schedule HVAC maintenance twice a year—in the fall and spring. This will prepare their heaters for winter and their air conditioners for summer.

About SOS Heating & Cooling

For more than 70 years, SOS Heating & Cooling has provided quality air conditioning and heating services to the Omaha area. They never upsell their customers and provide competitive prices. Call them for air conditioning and heating services in Omaha, NE. 

Distribution Links +

Tips to Save on Cooling Costs This Summer

Young woman relaxing on a couch in a bright room, enhancing home comfort and quality with SOS Heating & Cooling services.

Spend Less While Staying Cool

As the summer heats up, keeping homes cool becomes a priority for homeowners. But that doesn’t mean they have to break the bank on their cooling costs. This blog post will share some simple tips to help homeowners save money on air conditioning without sacrificing comfort and cooling, including using ceiling fans, changing their air filters regularly, and installing a smart thermostat.

Utilize Ceiling Fans 

Ceiling fan with dark blades being adjusted by hand, demonstrating energy-efficient cooling for summer use in homes.When homeowners need to cool down their homes, they might immediately start by turning down the temperature on the thermostat. However, there is a more energy-efficient option, which is using the home’s ceiling fans along with the air conditioner. Using ceiling fans allows homeowners to set their thermostats several degrees higher to save energy and money while staying comfortable all summer.

However, it’s important to note that the ceiling fan should be set to rotate counterclockwise in the summer to create a cool, refreshing breeze. Ceiling fans can also be used along with heaters in the winter to save energy and money by switching the direction of the fan to clockwise and setting it at low speed. 

Change Air Filters Regularly

It’s essential for homeowners to regularly change their AC filters to keep their air conditioning systems working efficiently. If air filters are dirty or clogged, the air conditioner has to work harder to make up for the airflow issues and cool the home, causing energy bills to rise. 

Homeowners should perform air filter replacements as needed, depending on the type of filter, but they should generally be replaced at least every three months. However, an air filter should be changed sooner if it is dirty, so checking filters every month is recommended. This simple maintenance step can improve the AC unit’s energy efficiency and help prevent high energy bills.

Schedule a Smart Thermostat Installation

Person installing a smart thermostat, displaying a digital interface showing 72 degrees, on a wall-mounted thermostat unit, emphasizing energy efficiency and modern HVAC solutions.Smart thermostats can be a game-changer for energy savings. These thermostats have many different energy-saving features that set them apart from standard, manual thermostats and can be controlled from a homeowner’s smartphone. So, installing a smart thermostat can help homeowners save money on their heating and cooling costs.  

A smart thermostat can automatically adjust its temperature settings based on the daily schedule of residents to save energy and money. They can also have a vacation mode that allows for energy and cost savings while the home is empty for an extended time. Depending on the type of smart thermostat, these and more features can be used to conserve energy, optimize comfort, and save on utility bills. 

About SOS Heating & Cooling

SOS Heating & Cooling is a third-generation, family-owned company serving the Omaha area. They provide straightforward pricing, quick solutions, and financing options. Call them for air conditioning services in Omaha, NE. 

Distribution Links +