With summer in full swing, the cost of electricity bills keeps on rising, all thanks to AC units. Fortunately, there is a way to reduce those costs, and use a clean energy source in the process. We’ve come up with some foolproof tips on how to cool off your summer AC costs with solar. Let’s get right into it.
Different Levels of Insulation
Even though solar panels can slash your cooling costs, they can’t do it alone. In addition to a clean energy source, you’ll need good insulation to go along with it. When you combine the two, you can run your AC unit almost all day long, without having to worry about the power bill. Then, when your solar production dips as the night approaches, turn off the AC to save power. But if it’s really hot, use it on low power to maintain your ideal temperature.
On the other hand, if your insulation isn’t top of the line, but it’s far from the worst, you can still save lots of money. You just have to be careful how and when you use your AC unit.
For example, if you have moderate insulation, you should take advantage of your solar energy production in the afternoon. Start your AC then, and allow it to pre-cool your entire home. Then, once you come back in the evening, you can bring down the temperature even more.
Pre-cooling is an excellent method to keep your power bills on the lower side. It’s also the ultimate choice for those who have west-facing panels that make lots of energy in the afternoon.
Unfortunately, learning how to cool off your summer AC costs with solar is a bit trickier if you have poor insulation. Pre-cooling will be pretty much useless since there’s hot air coming in from the outside. If you truly want to save money on power with the help of solar, you need to invest in better insulation.
Understanding the SEER Rating
Another thing that you should take a look at this summer is your AC’s SEER rating, or its cooling output. A seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) will tell you how efficient your system is and help you calculate your summer spending.
Nowadays, the standard SEER rating in the US for almost all cooling systems is 14. But if it’s Energy Star certified, it’s probably 14.5. Unfortunately, there are countless homes that still have AC’s from the 90s which have ratings of 9. So if you’re seeing a huge spike in your cooling bills every year, it might be time for a new AC.
It’s important to understand the SEER rating because it’ll help you make more educated decisions about your solar needs. But before you run to the store for a new AC, consider that SEER compliance ratings will vary from one state to the next. We recommend checking out this cost savings calculator to ensure you’re getting the best unit for your home.
Adding More Solar Panels
If you don’t have solar panels yet but still want to reap the incredible benefits of solar, you have to figure out how many panels you need. Some of the things to consider are what type of AC unit you have and how often you plan on running it. You should also take into account what your AC’s SEER rating is as well as the daily kWh usage.
Of course, all of these calculations are a bit tricky to figure out. That’s why it’s best to call the experts at Atlantic Key Energy to do the work for you.
Final Thoughts
Those were just some of the ways solar energy can help you cut costs during a long and hot summer. But if you really want to learn how to cool off your summer AC costs with solar, get in touch with us today. We’ll not only explain all of the benefits of solar energy but also give you a free quote. So what are you waiting for? Call Atlantic Key Energy now and start your new solar life as soon as possible.
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