Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning Tips

Fighting high summer energy bills

Summertime in New Orleans can feel like a losing battle with utility bills. Technically, the season lasts three months, but for New Orleanians, it’s more like five to six months. A/C units will get a workout and that’s reflected in utility bills, even more so for people who began working from home in recent years. So what can customers do to at least limit the financial damage?

Any residential Entergy customer in Orleans Parish in an existing single-family home or a building of one to four residential units can qualify for Energy Smart, a program to promote energy efficiency. Homeowners can sign up for a free “Home Performance with Energy Star” assessment. The evaluation will provide an estimate for recommended upgrades and help homeowners identify specific rebates they are eligible for. Interested residents can visit energysmartnola.info.

Renters must speak to their landlords before requesting an assessment, but they can receive benefits including a smart thermostat, energy-efficient lightbulbs, and water-saving shower heads and faucet aerators.

A homeowner might have some understandable concerns about how much money suggested improvements will cost and whether or not that price will negate any savings from a monthly utility bill. Customers are not required to do anything suggested in the evaluation.

- Advertisement -

“A common misconception is a lot of these improvements will cost a lot of money upfront,” said Emma Meyerkopf, communications manager for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a Louisiana nonprofit consumer advocacy organization. “These savings can be accessible to people of all income levels.”

For customers on a tighter budget, Meyerkopf said improvements like sealing air cracks and leaks is cheaper than updating or replacing appliances and insulation. Also, if current appliances are still running well, it is understandable if a homeowner doesn’t want to spend the money to replace it entirely just yet. However, when the appliance does break, a homeowner should consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Tax credits and rebates are available for energy-efficient appliances.

Entergy also provides a list of suggestions for homeowners and renters to reduce their bills in the summer. They recommend setting the thermostat to 78 degrees. Readers may raise an eyebrow at this (I did), but Entergy says if you cannot be comfortable at 78, then set it at the highest temperature where you will still be comfortable. Every degree lower than 78 can raise a bill as much as 3%. Keep your house warmer than normal when you will be away from home.

- Partner Content -

New Year, Same You

As we ring in the new year, many of us are familiar with the cycle of making resolutions, especially when it comes to health...

Other suggestions include buying a programmable thermostat to more easily monitor and control usage. Ceiling and box fans use less electricity than an A/C unit. Close blinds, shades, and curtains to keep sunlight out and the home cooler.

Also, unplug electronic devices and appliances that are not in use. If you are not actively charging your phone or your laptop, unplug their chargers. Lastly, only run your dishwasher and washing machine if you have a full load.

Jonathan Laumann, owner of Cool Air, Inc., said he recommends his customers get their A/C units serviced twice a year: once in October/November and another time in April/May.

- Advertisement -

“Getting your A/C checked and serviced will increase performance, reduce energy costs, and improve your unit’s lifespan,” Laumann said.

A service appointment includes checking all electric components to insure they are up to company specifications. The outdoor condenser coil and the evaporator coil need to be cleaned and the drain lines must be checked to see if they are clear. Laumann said three months is the recommended time for filters to be changed, but in reality that time frame can vary from house to house.

Laumann also said the relative humidity in a house can make it feel significantly cooler. A dehumidifier can help achieve this, as well as sealing air leaks. Controlling the humidity will allow a homeowner to comfortably set the thermostat higher.

 

Get Our Email Newsletters

The best in New Orleans dining, shopping, events and more delivered to your inbox.

Digital Sponsors

Become a MyNewOrleans.com sponsor ...

Give the gift of a subscription ... exclusive 50% off

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.

Give the Gift!

Save 50% on all our publications for an exclusive holiday special!

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.