If you are facing rising utility bills as the temperatures continue to climb, it may be time to consider what you can do to improve the efficiency of your air conditioning in your home.  After all, no one wants to be without it when the summer sun is busy baking the ground around us, but we also don’t want to be burden with excessive cooling costs.  Here are a few tips to consider for your home or commercial property:

1. Have a thorough inspection of the space done. Infrared thermography scanners can be used by HVAC technicians to detect where you may be losing heat in the winter and cooling in the summer.  It is such a waste to have air conditioned air seeping out of your space.
2. Upgrade thermostats. There are much better thermostats on the market today than there were 20-, 15-, or even ten years ago.  Programmable- and smart thermostats can save you a great deal on cooling costs, by automatically altering set temperatures at times when the space is generally unoccupied.
3. Place those thermostats in the right area. It is a good idea to ask your HVAC technician if the thermostat is in the best place.  A thermostat by a door or window won’t get as accurate a reading of the temperature in the space.  This could cause your system to run more often than necessary.
4. Consider other sensors and controls. There are add-ons that can be retrofit to your existing systems, which can improve the efficiency of the system.  Outdoor air temperature sensors can be used to automatically reduce the burden on the air conditioning system on days when temperatures are more moderate.
5. Carefully consider the best set points. While 70 degrees may be preferable, if you (or those occupying the space) can withstand 75 degrees during the summer months, then set the system at 75.  You may be surprised how much you can save simply by raising the set temperature this time of the year.