After surviving a record-setting winter season, homeowners now must gear up for the summer heat and the costs that come with it. To save on their utility bills during the summer months, homeowners can simply put a few air conditioning (AC) maintenance and water-saving tips to use, according to HomeServe USA (HomeServe), a leading provider of home repair solutions and turnkey energy-related services.

Cooling Off Air Conditioner Costs

A 2014 survey from HomeServe found that nearly two-thirds (68 percent) of homeowners across the country were concerned about the impact running their AC would have on their electric bills over the summer. But a few simple best practices can help a home’s AC system remain energy-efficient during warmer weather.

  • Schedule an annual tune-up: Have your AC unit serviced and tuned up by a professional every year to assure that the equipment is operating properly and to help prevent an unexpected breakdown.
  • Changing or cleaning filters: Make sure to replace your AC unit’s disposable filters every 30-60 days. Reusable filters should be cleaned at least once a month. This will both ensure a healthier environment in the home and reduce the overall cost of cooling the home by eliminating up to 15% of the energy consumption.
  • Switch to a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can increase your heating and cooling efficiency savings by as much as 10% per year.

Save Water for More Savings

Water conservation is another avenue that can reduce utility costs for homeowners – one that is especially important in areas of the country currently facing serious droughts. Certain changes and measures can be undertaken to ensure a home’s water usage is efficient and to minimize waste.

  • Go low-flow: The installation of low-flow fixtures in place of standard water fixtures like sink faucets and showerheads, or even just the addition of low-flow aerators to faucets, can help conserve several gallons of water per day. Low-flow faucets use half as many gallons per minute as conventional faucets, while low-flow toilets use less than 1/3 the amount of water per flush.
  • Address leaks: Identifying and fixing leaks in faucets, toilets, and especially toilet flapper valves – a significant source of leaks which can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day – can save considerable amounts of water. The repair of leaks occurring in any interior and exterior water pipes can also contribute to lower utility bills.
  • Take advantage of Mother Nature: Use rain barrels to collect and store water that falls from your roof. Its chlorine-, lime-, and calcium-free, and perfect for gardening or washing your car.

“Applying some simple best practices, such as changing the AC unit’s filter every couple of months or fixing leaky pipes inside and outside the house can help homeowners ensure hotter temperatures don’t take a toll on their wallets,” said Tom Rusin, CEO of HomeServe USA. “Tapping into an expert technician to service an AC unit on a yearly basis, or identify and help repair leaks, is another way homeowners can optimize water and energy consumption for lower utility costs.”

HomeServe provides a better way for over 2 million homeowners across the U.S. and Canada to pay for and deal with the expense and inconvenience of heating and air conditioning system issues, as well as those created by water, sewer, electrical, and other home repair emergencies.

For more information about HomeServe protection plans available in your area, please visit www.homeserveusa.com.

About HomeServe

HomeServe USA Corp (HomeServe) is a leading provider of home repair solutions serving over 2 million customers across the US and Canada. Started in 2002, HomeServe protects homeowners against the expense and inconvenience of water, sewer, electrical, HVAC and other home emergencies by providing affordable coverage and quality local service. HomeServe, a Better Business Bureau Accredited Business, dedicates itself to being a customer-focused company supplying best-in-class repair plans and other services through leading municipal, utility and association partners, and directly to consumers. For more information about HomeServe, a Connecticut Top Workplace winner for 2014 and winner of five 2015 Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service, please go to www.homeserveusa.com, follow us on www.twitter.com/homeserveusa and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/homeserveusa.