Are you one of those people who looks forward to the summer? Have you been waiting patiently for the warmer weather so that you can enjoy all of your favorite outdoor activities? If so, you’re not alone. Many people love summer because it’s a time to relax and have fun.
But if you’re not careful, summer can also be a time when your energy bills soar. That’s because air conditioning costs can add up quickly. But there are ways to stay cool and save money at the same time. Here are a few tips:
- Keep your air conditioning unit’s filters clean– To do this, check your unit’s filter every month and clean or replace it as needed. A clean filter will help your unit run more efficiently, which can save you money on your energy bill.
- Close the vents in unused rooms– If you have rooms in your house that you don’t use often, close the vents to help save energy. Having fewer vents open will help your air conditioner run more efficiently.
- Use a programmable thermostat– Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and 85 degrees when you’re away. Doing this can save you money on your energy bill because your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool your home.
- Use fans in conjunction with air conditioning– Fans can help circulate the cooled air from your air conditioner, which can make your home feel cooler without having to use as much energy. When using fans, be sure to place them in strategic locations so that they’re most effective.
- Keep your blinds and curtains closed– By keeping your window treatments closed, you can help keep the heat out and the cool air in. The less heat that enters your home, the less work your air conditioner will have to do to keep your home cool.
- Use ceiling fans– Ceiling fans can help circulate the air in your home, which can make it feel cooler. Be sure to use your ceiling fans in conjunction with your air conditioner so that you’re not using more energy than necessary.
- Don’t use appliances that generate heat– During the summer, try to avoid using appliances that generate heat, such as the stove or oven. The heat from these appliances can make your home feel warmer, which will cause your air conditioner to work harder to keep your home cool.
- Take advantage of natural ventilation– When the weather is cooler, open your windows and doors to let in the fresh air. This will help ventilate your home and keep it cool without having to use your air conditioner.
- Make sure your AC unit is properly sized– If your air conditioner is too small for your home, it will have to work harder to cool your home and this can lead to higher energy bills. Be sure to have a professional come out and size your unit so that it’s the proper size for your home.
- Don’t place furniture in front of vents– Placing furniture in front of vents can block the flow of air and make your home feel stuffy. Be sure to keep furniture away from vents so that the air can circulate freely.
- Consider planting trees or shrubs around your home– By planting trees or shrubs around your home, you can provide shade and help keep your home cooler. This can save you money on your energy bill because your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to cool your home.
- Take it to a regular AC tune-up– Like any other mechanical equipment, your air conditioner needs regular maintenance to function properly. Be sure to have a professional come out and tune up your AC unit at least once a year so that it’s running efficiently.
- Check for leaks– Be sure to check for leaks in your ductwork so that you’re not losing cooled air. If you have leaks, be sure to have them sealed so that you can keep the cool air in and the heat out.
By following these simple tips, you can stay cool this summer and save money on your energy bill. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Do you have any other tips on how to save money this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
