Are your utility bill skyrocketing alongside extreme temperatures this summer? Though your air conditioner is working overtime to keep up with the heat, you don’t have to accept the cost of your current electric bill. In fact, there are many ways you can put a stop to high utility costs, especially if you live in an older home. Check out Wyckoff’s energy saving tips to stay cool and keep money in your wallet for years to come.

Utilize Your Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats save energy by adjusting temperatures to match the settings you have in place, and Wi-Fi thermostats allow you to change the temperature with the click of a button on your computer or cell phone. Adjust your home temperature when you’re asleep or away from home. Dropping the temperature another 10 degrees for eight hours can save up to 15 percent annually. Be sure to consider schedules of everyone in the household.

Tune Up Your Air Conditioner

If your air conditioner was manufactured before 2010, it probably utilizes R-22 refrigerant. The bad news – the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandated the phase out of R-22 as the result of growing environmental concerns. More than likely, your heating and cooling units will have sufficient R-22 for the system’s lifetime, unless a leak occurs. Wyckoff Heating & Cooling urges our customers to take the necessary steps, including routine maintenance, to protect yourself from the rising cost of refrigerant.

Consider AC Replacement

If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, now may be the time to consider replacing it with a more efficient unit. You should be able to determine the age of your air conditioner based on the inspection sticker or serial number. The first 4 digits of the serial number typically represent the year and week or the week and the year, depending on the manufacturer. There are many benefits that come along with a new air conditioner, including increased efficiency and decreased utility bills. In 2006, a new standard was put in place, requiring residential air conditioners to have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13 or higher. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the product. By replacing a 10 year-old air conditioner, you can save 20 to 40 percent on energy costs, according to Energy.gov.

Invest In Geothermal

There are many reasons Wyckoff customers are opting for geothermal systems – from green efficiency and cost savings to product lifetime, geothermal provides homeowners the opportunity to invest in a long-term heating and cooling solution. Through year-end 2016, homeowners can claim a tax credit equal to 30 percent of spending on qualified geothermal installations. As an added bonus, many states offer rebates or low interest loans to encourage installation, and utility providers offer rebates and financing programs.

Check Out EnergyAdvantage® Programs

Many of MidAmerican Energy’s EnergyAdvantage programs feature rebates that defray the often higher cost of energy-efficient equipment and materials. These programs will help you save money on your energy bill, improve the comfort of your home and reduce the demand on the natural resources needed to produce energy. For more information, visit midamericanenergy.com/ee.

Get Peace Of Mind

Invest in planned service with Wyckoff’s Peace of Mind program. This entails two, annual service visits, 10 percent off regular service rates, 15 percent off parts and accessories and helpful tips from our experts to help save on your energy costs and ensure you experience quality comfort year-round. Let Wyckoff take the hassle out of your home comfort for $168 plus tax, or as little as $14 a month. As an added bonus, Peace of Mind planned service participants have access to our skilled technicians any time of day. Avoid overtime charges for nights, weekends and even holidays through the Peace of Mind program.

Put a stop to escalating utility bills by taking advantage of our tips, knowledge and experience at Wyckoff Heating & Cooling. To request an estimate or schedule your system tune-up, contact our team at 515-285-3111 today.