Keep your cool and your cash

With summer soon approaching it is time to prepare for the Oklahoma heat. Most home owners know to change your air conditioner filter on a regular basis but to really get the most out of your AC unit and save money, there are a number of energy saving tips that you should consider doing before you begin to use it for the season. Just as you pay your bill each month, change the filter each month, some manufactures may recommend changing filters less often, however in the spring and summer when allergens are in the air it is best to change them more frequently. Shade the area when the unit is housed. Air conditioners with proper shading can be up to 10 percent more efficient over a cooling season, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. A shaded area can have a significantly cooler temperature, preventing the AC unit from consuming extra energy to do its job of cooling the air. Be mindful of debris when manicuring your lawn. Opinions differ on the distance you should keep trees, shrubs, mulch and other materials from the unit. It is wise to keep a four to five foot space for proper air circulation. Clean the coils and casing with a hose. You will need to disconnect the power before spraying the unit, and for specific directions you may want to consult the manufacture. Once you have taken these season steps to keep cool, try a bit of self discipline and raise the temperature setting. If you become acclimated to a higher temperature early in the season you shouldn't suffer and the savings just by one degree can be dramatic, close to 8-9 percent. For a referral on a reputable repair or servicing company contact The Baskin Real Estate Specialists at info@darrylbaskin.com