Use the Sanborn’s Checklist to cut Cooling Costs

When you live in the Inland Empire, you know the summers are going to be long and hot. The result can be sticker shock when the electric bills start arriving during those months when it seems like the air conditioning is running non-stop. Your friends at Sanborn’s Air Conditioning & Heating are here to help. Check out our list of 5 easy things you can do to make your home more efficient and save money.

1. Don’t waste money keeping the pets and plants cool
   Are you one of the millions of families who leave your home for several hours every day? If so, there’s really no need to keep the goldfish and houseplants cool all day. You should turn the thermostat up a little while you’re away. Remember, you don’t want to let the house get too hot, or your system will have to work too hard cooling it back down; but turning it up a couple degrees should be fine.
2. Install a programmable thermostat
   The best way to handle the situation is by installing a programmable thermostat, or using the one you already have. Once you have it programmed to match your schedule, you don’t have to remember to do anything when you leave the house. The thermostat changes automatically. Do you know what the best part is? With a programmable thermostat, the house is nice and cool when you return home. If the thermostat is Wi-Fi enabled you can change the settings using your mobile device. It’s really handy if your schedule changes on short notice.
3. Use your ceiling fans (or install them)
   If you’ve ever spent a winter in a cold weather climate, you are familiar with the term “feels like temperature.” In the old days we used to call it the wind-chill. Well using a ceiling fan lowers the feels like temperature in your house. When you feel cooler, you can set the thermostat a couple of degrees higher even when you are home. Estimates vary, but a 3% savings for each degree warmer on the thermostat is certainly realistic.
4. Pay attention to those windows
   We know you enjoy those expansive views from your windows, but about 30% of the unwanted heat in your home comes from the sunshine streaming through that glass. Using shades, curtains, and blinds is the best way to prevent your home from turning into a really large greenhouse.
5. Get regular air conditioner maintenance
   Hmmm, where have you heard this before? Maybe from just about every HVAC company in the world. I know you sometimes feel like we are beating the proverbial dead horse here, but it’s the simple truth. Regular tune ups and maintenance will improve the efficiency of your A/C, and that translates to lower monthly bills.

For decades you have depended on Sanborn’s Air Conditioning & Heating for repair, maintenance, and replacement; but we can also help you cut those utility bills down to size. After all, summer in Southern California is supposed to be about having fun, not worrying about opening the bills.