Let’s be real here, we do love our great state of Wisconsin and we know you do too! Being comfortable in your own home by making smart energy efficient decisions will not only give you peace of mind on cost savings but will help keep our state around, and healthy!, for as long as possible. Together, let’s stay green this summer (and all year long to boot) by doing our part to reduce our energy usage which in return will save money to help explore more of Wisconsin! Let’s dive right into three tips for AC maintenance to help you save while staying cool all summer long thanks to our friends at Focus on Energy!
Tip 1: Check Your Thermostat Setting
Photo Credit: Dan LeFebvre via UnSplash
Keep Wisconsin green this summer and create energy efficiency all while keeping your costs down. The first place to start in your own home? Check Your Thermostat Setting. We encourage you to use a programmable or smart thermostat, which not only helps you stay comfortable when you’re home, but also saves you money while you’re out and about! Doesn’t get much better than that. Along with that, having the proper insulation will not only help keep the cool air in during the summer season but also hold the heat all winter long. Learn more about smart thermostats in ‘Smart Thermostats: Myths vs Facts’ on the Focus on Energy blog.
Tip 2: Change Your Filters Regularly
Did you know that half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling? And that leads us right into this tip! Change Your Filters Regularly. Changing your filters regularly can help prevent a dirty filter that will block airflow. Blocked airflow can lead to an increase in energy costs as well as lessen the lifespan of your cooling system, and a dirty filter can lead to poor indoor air quality. Based on the manufacturer recommendations, be sure to inspect, clean, or change the air filters in your air conditioner to help save this summer! Learn more about ways to save in ‘Prep for summer with these easy home energy saves’ on the Focus on Energy blog.
Tip 3: Get An Annual Pre-Season Check-Up
Photo Credit: Focus on Energy
Another tip that our friends at Focus on Energy passed along is; Get An Annual Pre-Season Check-Up. When planning for this winter’s cold snap and next summer’s heat, be sure to think about getting a pre-season check-up. Just as we tune up our cars yearly, it’s helpful to get a yearly tune-up of your heating and cooling systems. This will not only give you peace of mind knowing that your systems are well-maintained, but it also gives you the ability to catch minor repair before it turns into a costly breakdown on a sub-zero day! If you need help finding a professional to take a look at your systems, Focus on Energy can help you find a qualified contractor (& there’s cash incentives!). Click here to find a Trade Ally contractor in your area. If you find you need to replace or upgrade your heating and cooling equipment, Focus on Energy offers cash incentives to help you get the most efficient systems for your home.
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We can all do our part this summer, and for far more years to come, at keeping Wisconsin green! Every small step helps, and makes a huge difference for the environmental wellness of our state. These three tips: to check your thermostat setting, to change your filters regularly, and to schedule an annual pre-season check-up are just the start of helping ourselves and the communities we live in.
And if you haven’t heard about Focus on Energy, now is a great time to check out this great resource we have in Wisconsin. They are currently celebrating 20 years of delivering energy and cost saving solutions to Wisconsinites! Read more on their celebration of 20 years here.
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About Focus on Energy: Focus on Energy is funded by 107 partnering utilities and electric cooperatives across the state. Customers of those energy providers are eligible for the expertise and financial incentives through Focus on Energy solutions and offerings. These solutions help Wisconsin homeowners, manufacturers, small business owners, farmers, municipalities and other groups reduce energy waste, energy costs and pollution.
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Kortnee Hass: Digital Media Associate for Discover Mediaworks. A Wisconsin ‘now & forever’ transplant with a soft spot for squeaky cheese curds, craft breweries, and all things Wisconsin tourism.
