This summer, you can keep your home cool without paying a fortune to the utility provider. However, some effort is required on your part.
Nothing is distressing like feeling like you’re living in a furnace, so most folks crank up their air conditioning when the temperatures go up. The U.S. Energy Information Administration findings show that American homes pay $141 per month between June and August for electricity. In regions with sweltering summers, this figure can be higher.
If you’re looking to cut your costs, this post is for you. Here, we discuss some of the most effective techniques to reduce your AC bills this summer.
1. INCREASE YOUR TEMPERATURE
Adjusting your thermostat just a few degrees higher reduces the effort or energy your AC requires to maintain the appropriate temperature. In general, a lower temperature variance between the interior and exterior will result in a more cost-effective cooling.
Remember that you don’t need to wear a sweater indoors while it’s hot outdoors. Thus, play with your thermostat to determine the highest temperature at which you can still be comfortable. If you always set your home’s temperature at 72 degrees Fahrenheit, consider increasing it to 75 degrees for a few hours and monitor your comfort.
2. INSTALL A SMART THERMOSTAT
Innovative technology comes with smart features that can considerably contribute to energy savings. For example, smart air conditioners and thermostats enable you to set cycles for your AC. They also allow you to set triggers to regulate a room’s temperature. After reaching the required temperature, your air conditioner turns off, resulting in significant energy savings.
In hot weather, many folks usually forget to regulate their thermostats. They set the thermostat to the lowest level possible and leave it operating all day. According to Energy.gov, reducing the temperature by seven to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours per day can save annual energy bills by 10%.
A smart thermostat can execute this minor change on its own. It can detect, increase the temperature setting by a few degrees, or entirely turn off the air conditioner. Also, you can set a schedule that allows your AC to raise the temperature a few degrees while you are sleeping and lower it again as you are about to get up.
3. PLACE YOUR THERMOSTAT IN THE PROPER LOCATION
The positioning of your thermostat can have a considerable impact on how your AC operates during the day and, consequently, your monthly air conditioning costs. For example, a wall thermostat that receives heat from your window or door will be triggered to activate more frequently. Putting your thermostat near a cooler location will ensure that your AC does not run longer than necessary.
4. LIMIT THE USE OF HEAT-GENERATING APPLIANCES DURING THE DAY
Numerous laundry and kitchen appliances generate heat, causing your AC to operate more frequently during the day. Use your microwave and grill as much as possible during the summer rather than your stove top and oven to conserve electricity.
Plan your schedule so that you may operate the oven, dryer, or dishwasher in the evening or early morning as opposed to during the hottest parts of the day. As an AC cools the air, it reduces humidity, so you don’t need to use a separate dehumidifier.
5. ADJUST THE NIGHTTIME TEMPERATURE
It’s usually challenging to fall asleep if the weather is hot, so you may choose to reduce your home’s temperature at night. And because outdoor temperatures often drop as the sun sets, lowering your thermostat a few degrees at night is advisable. To prevent your AC from running all night, program your thermostat to change the temperature after everyone in your home has fallen asleep. For nighttime temperatures, it’s best to precool your bedroom temperature before going to bed and then set your thermostat 2 to 4 degrees higher when you are sleeping.
6. SEAL YOUR WINDOWS TO PREVENT AIR LEAKAGE
Unsealed windows allow air to escape. This implies that your cooled air escapes allowing hot air in. Thus, your AC will exert more effort to chill the space and consistently maintain the desired temperature. Sealing cracks and gaps prevents cold air from escaping through your windows, lowering the need for air conditioning and saving electricity.
Before caulking and sealing your home’s leaks and cracks, you must first discover its openings. Listed below are among the most prevalent causes of leaks and gaps:
- Plumbing and utility spaces
- Attic entrances
- Sagging ceilings
- Door and window frames
- Switches and outlets
- Air ducts
- Water and fireplace chimneys
7. MAKE USE OF THE SHADE
You can reduce your AC’s load by shading west, east, and south-facing windows. Consider extending roof eaves or installing an awning or trellis to shade windows on the exterior. Add tinted window layers or films to reduce the impacts of radiant heat and ultraviolet light without obstructing the view. Trees planted on the west and south sides of your home can provide shade from the sun’s most intense beams when fully grown.
8. MAINTAIN THE CONDITION OF YOUR AC
Your AC requires routine maintenance for optimal performance. Regularly replacing the air filter is one of the best methods to ensure that your machine operates at peak efficiency. In general, you should replace air filters every two or three months. Still, more regular replacement may be necessary if you often use your air conditioner, have pets, or live in a dusty environment.
A professional maintenance inspection once a year can also keep your air conditioner operating efficiently. Similar to a car oil change, these improvements are necessary to increase the efficiency and longevity of your system. Call [company name] today for an inspection, system tests, and system cleaning.
9. HAVE A CEILING FAN
Fresh air is circulated by ceiling fans, easing the load on your AC. Using ceiling fans is a sure way to improve the energy efficiency of a home. Although they’re considered low-tech, ceiling fans do wonders for cooling rooms. A ceiling fan minimizes a home’s demand for air conditioning, but it can also save up to 40% on electricity bills.
Portable fans are also a viable alternative. You can strategically place them throughout the house or in a room near the windows or doors to maximize ventilation.
Note, however, that there is a distinction between fans and ACs. Fans do not chill the air; however, they make the house feel fresher and colder by moving air (and hence heat) away from the body. With fans consuming only a small portion of power that AC units do, they’re well worth the investment.
GET STARTED TODAY
With summer just around the corner, why wait? Call [company name] today to get started. Our company has been servicing the area since 2010. We are a NCI-certified provider of heating, air conditioning, humidity control, and indoor air quality services. We also provide remodels and new constructions in Riverside, CA and the surrounding communities. Our friendly and NATE-certified technicians are dedicated to providing you with the best services in the areas. Call us today for a free estimate.
