Richland County (WACH) - Like death and taxes, sweltering South Carolina summers are all but guaranteed. Experts say now is the time to prep your home for the dog days of summer, even though it’s still Spring.
"Home maintenance is one of the biggest things, it's the easiest way to save some money without having to redo the insulation in your house or buy a brand new air conditioner, said Lowes Assistant Manager Robert Grant.
You can reduce your electric bill 10 to 20% by investing in new windows, insulation, even a dehumidifier. There are cheaper alternatives for those on a budget, such as spray-on foam insulation.
"Another common thing we have is a programmable thermostat,” said Grant. There are other steps you can take without even setting foot in a home improvement store.
"Keeping those coils clean, changing the filters, checking the refrigerator,” said Charles Duffie of Blythewood Heating & Air. “Taking the debris out of this outdoor unit, help the system breathe better and run shorter times."