10 ways to save on air conditioning costs (Part 2 of 2)

June 26, 2024

Last week we looked at 5 ways to save on air conditioning. This week we will finish out our list with 5 additional tips that will help keep you cool this Summer while not breaking the bank.


6. Explore alternative cooling options


If your air conditioning system is outdated, it's likely less efficient and prone to frequent breakdowns. You can decrease your energy expenses by replacing an old AC unit with a new one that has a high energy-efficiency ratio (EER). Look for units that are Energy Star-qualified, as Energy Star is a government system that designates energy-efficient products. The higher the EER rating, the better the system performs.

Individual AC units and ductless AC systems, including ductless mini-splits, are more economical to use than central AC units. Single or ductless systems can be 50 to 60 percent cheaper than central air conditioning, offering substantial savings.

Although it requires a larger investment, installing a heat pump is worth considering. Despite the name, a heat pump can cool your home in the summer by transferring heat, similar to a refrigerator.


7. Seal air leaks


A drafty house lacks energy efficiency. Inspect both the interior and exterior of your home for gaps, cracks, and openings that allow air to enter or escape. While windows and doors are obvious areas to check, other locations, like where the foundation meets the exterior, are prone to leaks. Consider hiring a professional technician for an energy audit to thoroughly assess your property and identify energy-inefficient leaks that may go unnoticed. They can also advise on additional insulation requirements.


8. Minimize stove and oven use


Using major appliances like stoves and ovens not only generates heat but also puts additional strain on your air conditioner. Whenever possible, limit their usage to cooler nighttime hours. Alternatively, setting up an outdoor kitchen can help reduce the workload on your AC while still meeting your cooking needs.

Other cooling tips for your home include using the kitchen exhaust fan after cooking and running the bathroom exhaust fan to dissipate heat after a hot shower. If you have a traditional clothesline, consider air-drying your laundry outside instead of using a hot dryer indoors.


9. Utilize the basement


Since heat rises, taking refuge in your basement, if available, makes sense. However, avoid opening basement windows during humid weather. Moist air can cause condensation on cool basement walls, leading to increased humidity in your home.


10. Inquire with your electric company for assistance


Some energy providers offer bill payment assistance to their customers. Additionally, some utility companies offer budget billing, allowing you to pay a consistent amount throughout the year to avoid spikes in your bill during heating and cooling seasons. Contact your utility company or visit their website to explore discounts, budget billing, and other options to help reduce your AC costs during the summer.


If you’re in need of service or a new system, contact Alpine Heating & Cooling Our team has more than 25 years of experience servicing all makes and models. We offer timely, convenient service and provide thorough inspections to catch any potential issues. Visit our website to see a full list of HVAC services, or call (330) 263-0013 for an appointment.


HVAC Service Tech Bobby Schmitt
February 23, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH FINALE This week Bobby Schmitt from Apple Creek brings an end to our Tuesday's with the Tech Series. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to intereact each week and we hope to do this again in the future! 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: Home comfort is more about humidity than temperature, in the summer a whole home dehumidifier will keep your home comfortable without having to keep the temperature as low, and in the winter a humidifier will cause the home to still be comfortable at a lower temperature 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: North Carolina 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: One angry goose, having ten small things running around is hard to manage, one larger thing is more controllable. 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Have maintenance done. Keep filters and the outdoor unit clean. 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Pasta. I’ve never been a big fan of Italian food. . . . #tuesdayswiththetech #alpine #heating #winter
SERVICE TECHNICIAN
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TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH As we roll on near the end of Winter we also are nearing the end of our Tuesdays with the Techs Series. Next week will be our final week, but first, this week's Featured Tech is West Holmes Alum Cole Woods 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: How important preventive maintenance is. 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: Pennsylvania 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: Probably one angry goose. I stand a better chance then trying to fight 10 squirrels 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Change your filter regularly. You’d be very surprised how much that little filter can affect the system. 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Probably pasta
hvac service technician
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TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH This week’s edition of Tuesdays with the tech is the Service Manager here at Alpine, Jeremy Kaufman. 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: 50% of HVAC breakdowns are due to lack of maintenance 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: Montana 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: I’ll go with the squirrels. I was chased by a goose as a child 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: HVAC maintenance 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Pasta
By Tom Markley January 27, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH This week we continue learning more about the Service Techs of Alpine and the Industry as a whole. This week is Ashland Native Trey Bright. 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: Systems are more complex than they may realize 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio?. A: Tennessee 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: 1 angry goose! Bigger target to kick! 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Maintaining there units is key to keeping them running longer  5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Pasta . . . #tuesdayswiththetech #alpine #heating #winter
HVAC SERVICE TECHNICIAN
January 21, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH Join us over the next few weeks in meeting the Service Techs of Alpine and learning more about them and the Industry as a whole. This Week's Tech of the Week: Nick Cutright 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: Your Thermostat is just an on and off switch 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: South Carolina 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: Goose 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Maintaining units is key to keeping them lasting longer 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Pasta If you’re ready to make your home warmer, more efficient, and more dependable this year, now is the time to consider a new heating system . Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating and cooling systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an furnace repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications.
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Navigate the challenges of DIY HVAC repair with humor and insights from Alpine Heating & Cooling, and learn when to call in the experts.
A cozy A-frame cabin surrounded by snow-covered trees at dusk, warmly lit with string lights,
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Start the new year with a high-efficiency heating system that delivers better comfort, lower energy bills, and reliable warmth all winter long.
December 19, 2025
Most HVAC problems don’t start with a breakdown. They start quietly—months or even years earlier—because of one simple habit almost every homeowner has. They wait until something stops working to think about their HVAC system.  HVAC Systems Don’t Fail Suddenly—They Wear Out Your furnace or air conditioner doesn’t usually “just die.” It wears down gradually through: Longer run times Higher electrical draw Rising internal temperatures Increased vibration and stress By the time a system shuts off or trips a safety, the damage has often been happening for a long time. That’s why emergency breakdowns almost always come with higher repair costs. What Actually Causes Premature HVAC Failure Contrary to popular belief, age alone isn’t the biggest killer of HVAC equipment. The most common causes are: 1. Small Issues Left Unchecked A weak capacitor, dirty flame sensor, or failing blower motor doesn’t always stop the system—but it forces other components to work harder. That added strain shortens the life of the entire system. 2. “It’s Still Working” Syndrome Homeowners often delay service because: The house still heats or cools The system hasn’t locked out There’s no obvious warning light Unfortunately, HVAC systems can operate while slowly damaging themselves. 3. Deferred Maintenance Costs More Than Repairs Skipping routine service doesn’t save money—it shifts the cost to: Larger repair bills Emergency service calls Shortened system lifespan A simple maintenance visit can prevent a $1,500 breakdown. Why Breakdowns Always Happen at the Worst Time There’s a reason furnaces fail during cold snaps and ACs quit during heat waves. Extreme weather forces systems to: Run longer Start more frequently Operate at peak capacity If a component is already weakened, that’s when it finally gives up. What “Normal Operation” Should Actually Look Like A healthy HVAC system should: Start smoothly Run consistently (not constantly) Shut off cleanly Maintain temperature without drastic swings Sound the same month to month Changes in sound, runtime, or performance are early warning signs—not inconveniences. The Smarter Way to Think About HVAC Ownership Instead of asking: “Is it broken?” A better question is: “Is it operating the way it should?” That mindset shift alone prevents many major HVAC failures. Final Thought Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive mechanical systems in your home. Treating it as something to react to—rather than maintain—almost guarantees higher costs and shorter lifespan. The homeowners who get the longest life and lowest total cost aren’t lucky. They’re proactive. Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating and cooling systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an furnace repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications. Connect on Social Media for more tips and insights.
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