9 Ways to Save Money on Air Conditioning Bills This Summer
During the sweltering summer months, most of us try to find ways to keep our homes cool and comfortable. And while cranking up the air conditioning might bring a welcome relief from the heat, it can also bring an unwelcome spike in energy costs. But fear not! There are plenty of ways to keep your cooling bills down without suffering through sweltering days or sticky nights. The following are simple and affordable tips for keeping your bills low as temperatures rise. So, whether you’re looking for an energy-friendly way to stay cool during the hottest part of summer or just want to learn how to save a few bucks every month on energy costs, these tips will help.
1. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats can make a huge difference in how much you spend on cooling your home. By programming your thermostat to adjust the temperature settings based on your schedule, you can ensure that you’re only cooling your house when you’re there to enjoy it.
This means you won’t waste money cooling an empty house during the day while you’re at work or out running errands. Plus, many programmable thermostats have additional features that allow you to monitor your usage, set temperature limits, and receive alerts for malfunctions or issues.
2. Utilize Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can be a great way to keep your home cool without blasting the air conditioning. Ceiling fans don’t lower the temperature of a room, but by circulating the air in a room, they can help you feel more comfortable at higher temperatures. This means you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher and still feel comfortable while saving energy and money.
Additionally, you can save even more on your energy bill by using the fans strategically. The direction of the ceiling fan blades can be adjusted depending on the season. When it’s hot outside, set your fan to spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze in the room. When it’s cold outside, reverse the direction of the blades so that they push warm air down from the ceiling.
3. Close Your Blinds or Curtains
During the day, draw curtains or blinds to keep the sun out. This will help block heat from entering your home and raising the temperature. Additionally, it can help to keep furniture and floors from fading due to UV rays. In addition to closing windows during the day, make sure not to leave exterior doors open for extended periods since this will also allow hot air in and cool air out.
When utilizing this tip, remember to open your blinds and curtains in the evening when the sun is down and the outdoor temperature has cooled off. This will help cool air enter your house from outside, leading to lesser work for your AC unit and, ultimately, lower energy costs.
4. Check for Leaks and Proper Insulation
If there’s any air leaking in or out of your home, it can waste a lot of energy and money. Check the house for where air may come in from outside, under windows, or through walls.
Also, look into what type of insulation is installed in your home and make sure it’s up to date. Poor insulation can lead to higher energy bills since your AC unit must work harder than necessary to cool down your house. In this case, investing in higher quality insulation can go a long way toward reducing your energy bills.
5. Regular Maintenance of Your AC
As with any other appliance, regular maintenance is essential to keeping your air conditioner running optimally. This includes changing out the filters regularly, cleaning the coils and fins of dirt and debris, and having a professional technician inspect the system every year for potential issues. Regular tune-ups will help ensure that your AC unit is running efficiently and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Since these types of tasks can be difficult without proper professional experience, it may be worth investing in a service contract with an HVAC technician who can check on your unit regularly. For the residents of western Washington, a company like Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning provides these services to allow you to have a worry-free summer.
6. Set Limits on Thermostat Settings
You should also set limits on the temperature settings of your thermostat. While it may be tempting to crank the air conditioning as much as possible during a heat wave, this is counter-productive and can waste a lot of energy and money. The best way to maximize your savings is to find a comfortable temperature setting that’s not too high or too low and then stick with it.
For example, if you find 75 degrees Fahrenheit comfortable enough in the summertime, set your thermostat at that level and don’t adjust it up or down unless necessary. Keeping the temperature consistent in one setting will help your air conditioner run more efficiently while providing a pleasant indoor environment.
7. Look for Energy-Efficient AC Units
Some air conditioners are more energy-efficient than others. If it’s been a few years since you’ve replaced your unit, it may be time to consider investing in an updated model with the latest technology. Newer models may use less electricity and can even help reduce your electricity bills over time.
When shopping for a new air conditioner, look for an Energy Star-certified unit with top ratings from environmental protection agencies. You should also research different models to see which ones have the most efficient features. This includes looking at how much noise they produce, their cooling capacities, and additional benefits such as remote control access or timer functions.
8. Invest in Shades or Awnings
Creating shade around your house is also a great way to keep it cool during the summer. Investing in shades or awnings for your windows and doors can help block out the sun’s rays while allowing natural light into your residence. This will help reduce the heat entering your home, which means less work for your cooling system and lower energy bills.
You may even find affordable options, such as canvas window covers or retractable awnings, that you can install yourself. If you have any questions, consult with an experienced contractor who knows which types of shades will be most effective at providing shade without obstructing your view.
9. Use the Right Kind of Lighting
Using the wrong type of lights can also contribute to higher energy bills. Incandescent bulbs get very hot, producing more heat and making a room hotter. To avoid this issue, switch to LED lights or compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). These types of lights are much cooler and will not add unnecessary warmth to your home. Plus, they last longer and use less electricity.
Saving money on air conditioning bills this summer is an achievable goal for anyone. Implementing these strategies can lead to substantial savings throughout the season and beyond. These changes may come with additional benefits, such as improved energy efficiency, an eco-friendlier home, and greater control over rising energy costs. Overall, many steps can be taken toward reducing air conditioning costs this summer without sacrificing comfort and convenience. It’s a matter of researching the best approach for your individual needs and following through with small adjustments to create lasting change in the long run. At Brennan Heating & Air Conditioning, we provide services related to heating, cooling, indoor air quality, and water heaters throughout Seattle and the Pugent Sound region. Call us today to improve the comfort of your home.
