Being a homeowner in Arizona means you’re the director of your own little show called Home Improvements. Whether you bought a fixer upper or a brand-new house (or something in between), there’s always a project or repair that needs to be done. In Phoenix, the hottest city in America, improving the effectiveness of your air conditioning is a constant challenge and always a concern. If your electric bills have been getting out of control this summer, you might want to consider some long-term home improvements that will retain more cool air where it belongs – inside your home and keep the hot air out.

Projects That Lower Your Utility Bills

Painting your kitchen a splashy new color may make you smile when you’re cooking, but it won’t lower your utility bills. During the summer months, air conditioning can account for over 60 percent of the total of your electric bill. One of the keys to increasing your overall AC efficiency is upgrading your home’s insulation factor. Here are some home improvement projects geared towards improving your home’s ability to retain the cool comfort your AC unit is delivering to every room in your house:

• Attic and Duct Insulation

  Many Phoenix homes have their AC unit located on the roof. This means the air conditioner expends energy lowering the temperature of the air in the cooling process, then the cold air is immediately dispersed through ducts in the hottest part of your home – the attic. The ducts in your attic, especially if they are leaking or not insulated, can rob your AC efficiency by up to 40 percent. Improving the insulation surrounding your AC ducts and fixing leaks can greatly increase the amount of cold air reaching the rooms in your house. Increasing the amount of insulation in your attic in general can have a dramatic effect on lowering your utility expenditures.

• Windows and Doors

  Depending on how old your home is, you may want to consider replacing your windows or having all your windows and doors checked and sealed. Older Arizona homes do not have the benefit of energy efficient, double or triple insulated windows, which help retain the cold air inside your home. Sealing windows and doors can pay huge dividends when it comes to preventing the loss of cold air and keeping the hot air out. Many people are shocked to find out how much they are spending to cool the great outdoors. Having a home energy audit will provide you with useful information about your home’s energy efficiency.

• Dirty Air Filters, Clogged Condenser Coils

  One of the most important aspects of effective air conditioning is the free flow of air throughout your entire system. Air from your home is constantly being circulated through your air conditioner and whether it’s passing through air filters or condenser coils, these components need to be cleaned or replaced regularly. Dirt, grime, pet hair, dander, dust and other particulates will accumulate on air filters or coils and negatively impact the cooling process. Air filters should be changed at least six times per year and condenser coils should be cleaned as part of your spring and fall service calls.

Long Term Home Improvements Will Create a More Energy Efficient Home

We encourage all of our customers to make their homes as energy efficient as possible. High electric bills are a monthly annoyance we can live without. Call us today to schedule a fall checkup and one of our friendly service technicians will be happy to provide you with an evaluation of how you can make your home a model of energy efficiency.