July 11, 2022

Tips to Lower Your Cooling Bill This Summer

Everyone is looking for ways to save money. Before you go to the extreme of turning off your air conditioning system in order to save on your energy costs, why don't you try some of these strategies? 

A hand pressing a thermostat button. A dollar bill is partially visible beneath.

Ways to Stay Cool While Lowering Your Cooling Costs

We hate to break it to you, but if you are searching for ways to lower your cooling bill, you have turned into your father (or mother!).
 Here are some tried and true strategies that your parents may have also used to keep the house cool during the summer.

Turn on the ceiling fan.

A ceiling fan helps disperse cool air more efficiently and may allow you to raise the thermostat by as much as four degrees without feeling too uncomfortable. But, of course, make sure you turn off the fan when you leave the room to increase your energy savings. 

Use a programmable thermostat.

Increase the temperature in your home when you know you will be out to decrease your cooling bill. However, you might program your smart thermostat so that you walk into a house when it is at a comfortable temperature. 
Are you not sure how to program your thermostat? Ask your local heating and cooling company to help.

Limit the heat-rising activities in your home.

Don't use the oven, dishwasher, or clothes dryer during the heat of the day. These activities will increase your home's temperature and make your AC work harder. Instead, use your air fryer or microwave, and wait until the temperatures drop to run the dishwasher or clothes dryer.

Use your bathroom exhaust fan carefully.

While we encourage using ceiling fans and fans to increase the airflow in the room you are occupying, it is not a good idea to leave your bathroom exhaust fan on all day. Instead, after showering, leave it on for 20–30 minutes to help clear the moisture out of the air. Then turn it off, so it doesn't suck the cool air out of the house.  

Install a radiant barrier in your attic.

A radiant barrier should be installed across the underside of your roof to arm your home against heating and cooling leakage.

Purchase energy-efficient doors and windows.

Keep the hot air out, and the cool air in during the summer by ensuring you don't have any air leaks around your doors and windows.

Train your children.

Train your children to close the door, turn off the lights, and use fans. Once you have trained them to save energy, write a tell-all book to teach the rest of us how you did it. 

Make sure your air conditioner is working as it should.

Last but not least, make sure your air conditioner is functioning properly. Have your local HVAC company examine it when the temperatures start to rise.

Hire Schomburg Heating and Cooling to Perform a Check-Up on Your Air Conditioning System

St. Joseph Mo homeowners! The temperatures are starting to rise. Schedule an appointment with your local heating and cooling experts at Schomburg!

A clean white air filter next to a dirty brown air filter.
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The best time to schedule air conditioner installation is during the shoulder seasons—early spring (March to April) and fall (September to October). These months offer milder temperatures, faster scheduling availability, and potential off-season savings. Waiting until July or August often leads to wait times longer, emergency replacement costs, and uncomfortable indoor temperatures during Missouri’s hottest months. Why Timing Matters for AC Installation in Missouri? Missouri summers regularly bring temperatures above 90°F with high humidity levels. During peak summer months, HVAC companies receive a surge of emergency service calls from homeowners dealing with failing cooling systems. Scheduling an installation before the seasonal rush gives homeowners better flexibility, improved pricing opportunities, and peace of mind. Homeowners searching for the best time to replace an AC unit in Missouri often discover that proactive planning prevents the stress of unexpected breakdowns. A planned replacement also allows more time to compare energy-efficient systems and financing options. What Happens During the Summer Rush? July and August are typically the busiest months for HVAC contractors in Missouri. During this period: Appointment availability becomes limited Emergency replacements increase costs Installation timelines may extend several days. Homeowners often endure hot indoor conditions while waiting Popular AC models may temporarily sell out A failing air conditioner during a Missouri heatwave creates urgency, which limits decision-making time. Planning ahead avoids rushed purchases and uncomfortable living conditions. Spring Is the Ideal Time for AC Installation Early spring offers one of the most practical opportunities for air conditioner installation in St. Joseph, MO, because temperatures remain moderate before extreme heat arrives. Benefits of Spring Installation
By Greg Schomburg March 31, 2026
As spring arrives in Platte City, Missouri, the weather can be unpredictable—one day chilly, the next warm and sunny. While this transition may seem like a time to put your HVAC system on the back burner, it's actually one of the most important seasons to give your system some attention. At Schomburg Heating & Cooling Inc., we’ve been serving our community for over 30 years, and we know exactly how crucial it is to take care of both your heating and cooling systems during this time of year. Spring is the perfect time to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the changing temperatures. Whether you're looking to keep your home warm during a cold spell or cool off when the heat picks up, your HVAC system is essential for year-round comfort. Here’s why now is the best time to schedule HVAC services in Platte City. Why Spring is the Ideal Time for HVAC Maintenance 1. Transition from Heating to Cooling As we bid farewell to winter, the weather can fluctuate between chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. This changeover means your heating system will still be in use early in the spring, but your air conditioning will soon become necessary. It's important to ensure both systems are functioning smoothly. You don’t want to be caught off guard by a furnace breakdown on a cold morning or an air conditioner failure as temperatures rise. 2. Preventative Maintenance is Key Many HVAC issues go unnoticed during the off-season, but spring is the perfect time to give your system a thorough inspection. A professional tune-up ensures that your air conditioner is running efficiently and can handle the heat of summer. It also gives our technicians a chance to catch small issues before they become big problems. Whether it’s checking the refrigerant levels, cleaning the coils, or replacing filters, a little maintenance now can prevent major repairs later. 3. Avoid the Summer Rush Summer is always a busy time for HVAC companies. If you wait until the heat is in full swing, you might find yourself waiting for days for a technician to arrive. By scheduling your HVAC maintenance or repair in spring, you’ll beat the rush and ensure your system is in top condition when you need it most. Current HVAC Needs in Platte City, MO In Platte City, we’re no strangers to unpredictable weather patterns. Early spring may still require heating, but soon enough, temperatures will rise, and your air conditioner will be your best friend. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common HVAC services we see during this transitional season: Heating Services Heating Repair: Even as we move into spring, cold weather can still sneak up on us. If your furnace has been running less efficiently or has shown signs of wear, now is the time to address it. A heating repair service ensures your furnace is working as efficiently as possible before the season changes. Furnace Replacement: If your furnace is old or inefficient, spring is the ideal time for a replacement. Waiting until winter comes around again could leave you in the cold if your furnace breaks down unexpectedly. Cooling Services Air Conditioning Repair Service: After a long winter, the first time you turn on your air conditioner might reveal problems like weak airflow, strange sounds, or poor cooling. Scheduling an AC repair in spring ensures your system is ready to take on summer’s heat. Air Conditioner Installation & Repair: If your air conditioner struggled last summer or is getting up in age, spring is the best time to either repair or replace it. A new system will keep your home cooler and more energy-efficient when the temperatures soar. AC Repair: If you’ve noticed any issues with your AC already, don’t wait for the heat to increase. Early spring is the best time to fix your system before it’s working at full capacity. How Schomburg Heating & Cooling Can Help At Schomburg Heating & Cooling Inc., we’ve been providing quality HVAC services to Platte City and the surrounding areas since 1991. Our team of expert technicians is here to ensure your home stays comfortable no matter the season. From heating repairs to AC installations, we offer a full range of services to meet your needs. HVAC Repairs: Whether it’s your furnace or air conditioner, we’re here to fix it fast and efficiently. Seasonal Maintenance: Prevent future issues with a thorough inspection of your heating and cooling systems. Air Conditioning Services: Stay cool this summer with expert installation and repair services for your AC system. Heating Services: Ensure your home stays warm when temperatures drop with our furnace repair and replacement services. What You Need to Know About HVAC Services This Season Spring is the perfect time to get your HVAC system in check. The temperature swings during this season can put stress on your system, making it a prime time for malfunctions. At Schomburg Heating & Cooling, we recommend getting your system tuned up before both the heating and cooling seasons hit their peaks. This ensures your equipment runs as efficiently as possible and helps you avoid unexpected breakdowns. Remember, regular HVAC maintenance not only helps avoid breakdowns but also keeps your system running efficiently, saving you money on energy bills. It also extends the life of your system, so you can get the most out of your investment. Frequently Asked Questions 1. When should I schedule HVAC maintenance in Platte City? Spring—ideally in March or April—is the best time to service your air conditioner before summer demand increases. It ensures your system runs efficiently and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns when you need your AC most. 2. How do I know if my AC needs repair or full replacement? If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, has frequent breakdowns, or no longer keeps your home cool efficiently, it may be time for a replacement. Frequent repairs or rising energy bills are also signs that it’s time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model. 3. Why does my AC blow warm air even though it’s turned on? This could be due to low refrigerant, a clogged filter, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a broken compressor. If you’re noticing this issue, it’s best to have a professional inspect and repair your system to prevent further damage. 4. Can I run my air conditioner right after winter without servicing it? While it’s possible, it’s not recommended. Dust and debris can accumulate in your system over the winter months, and the first time you run it may reveal issues that could have been caught earlier with a tune-up. 5. What are common signs my furnace needs service? If your furnace is producing strange noises, not heating properly, or causing higher energy bills, it’s time for a professional inspection. A spring tune-up can help catch any issues before the next cold snap. 6. How can I improve my indoor air quality at home? To improve indoor air quality, change your filters regularly, consider adding air purification systems, and have your HVAC system professionally cleaned during maintenance visits. These steps will help ensure you’re breathing cleaner air year-round. If you need help preparing your HVAC system for the season ahead, don’t hesitate to contact Schomburg Heating & Cooling Inc. Our experts are ready to keep your home comfortable, no matter the weather. Schedule your appointment today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your HVAC system is in good hands.
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