Get matched with top heating and air conditioning pros in New Gloucester, ME

Setting your AC unit to 78 degrees can, indeed, help you save energy. In fact, according to experts, every degree you turn the unit up could save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bills. That said, turning your unit off entirely while you’re out might actually be less efficient than keeping it on at a higher temperature. Why? The unit will need to work extra hard to cool the house back off again after all those hot hours. 

The best time of year to purchase or replace an HVAC system, including components like an air conditioner or furnace, is during the off-season—spring and fall. During these periods, HVAC professionals are less busy than in summer and winter, when extreme temperatures create urgent demand. Shopping during the off-season can lead to savings of 10% to 15% on an AC unit and allows you more time to find the best deal and other cost-saving incentives. Typically, air conditioning units go on sale in the fall after demand drops, while furnace prices tend to decrease in the spring.

There are plenty of different not-so-great sounds to hear from your air conditioning unit, like squealing, grinding, water running, excessive gurgling, banging, and clanking. Each of these sounds can indicate a different malfunction with your unit, so it’s important to have a professional assess the problem before it gets worse.

Most units are designed only to cool the house down to 20 degrees less than the temperature outside. This means that if it’s 99 degrees Fahrenheit out and you’re trying to cool your home down to 65 degrees, you’ll notice your AC is struggling. 

Lower the blinds on all your windows, turn on your ceiling fans, and keep the thermostat at a consistent temperature to help your AC do its job. Investing in an HVAC maintenance plan also helps because pros will come out to inspect and tune up your unit regularly, keeping it in optimal working condition.