When summer rolls around, extra energy consumption can take its toll on your bank account. Air conditioning can increase the energy you consume by nearly 60%, an increase that will show up on your utility bill. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce summer cooling costs and beat the heat and the excess expenses. Add the six simple strategies below into your daily routine and cool your home more efficiently.
1. Replace the Air Filters
Dirty air filters in the AC unit increase the cost of cooling your home. When the filters are dirty, it sends the cool air back into the compressor, forcing the unit to work harder to provide the same level of comfort. This also causes wear and tear to the AC unit, which could result in more repairs later down the line. Filters for the AC are cheap, sold at home improvement stores, and simple to change. Make this a monthly task to keep costs down.
2. AC Preventative Maintenance
Prevent problems before they happen! Regular AC maintenance keeps the unit functioning optimally, and you can avoid an uncomfortably warm home due to an improperly working air conditioning system. Once per year, schedule a professional preventative maintenance check and reduce the worry of breakdowns and expensive repairs.
3. Use the Ceiling Fan
Turn on the ceiling fan and keep the cool air circulating through the home! This can reduce the temperature in the home by 6-7 degrees and reduce cooling costs in the process. Furthermore, using the ceiling fan ensures each room is cool and comfortable when the sun is beating down its hottest.
4. Close Your Blinds
Close the blinds and curtains in each room during the day to prevent the sun from heating up your home. Highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by as much as 45%. Light colored treatments, cellular shades, and window quilts can also provide enhanced energy-efficiency at a reasonable cost.
5. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an energy-efficient upgrade that keeps the home comfortable without burdening the wallet. Programmable thermostats maintain consistent temperature as they reduce summer cooling costs by 10% to 15%!
6. Let the Breeze In
Although some days are hotter than others and you may need air conditioning for comfort, other days are cooler and more pleasant. On these days, turn off the AC and open the windows. The fresh air is great for the home (and your health) and turning off the unit saves it a bit of wear and tear. Consider opening the windows at night as well.
It is Time to Reduce Summer Cooling Costs
Summer heat is the perfect time to go outdoors and enjoy the water, the sand and beaches, and the dozens of other awesome adventures that you cannot do any other time of the year. But, it is not the time to swelter in the heat of the sun or go into debt to keep it cool. Use the six tips above to reduce summer cooling costs at your home.
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