As temperatures rise so do air conditioning needs, and it can cost you. Air conditioning accounts for 6% of the energy costs in the U.S., costing homeowners a whopping $29 billion a year. Here are six tips to keep your home fresh and electricity bill low this summer.
Blackout curtains
Blackout curtains are drapes that are made with a thick lining to block out light. Without the heat getting into your home, it is less likely that it will heat up as a result of the direct sunlight. With less heat coming into your home, your air conditioner can work less and in turn use less electricity.
Turn the thermostat up when the house is empty
The hottest hours of the day tend to be during the times most people aren’t home. Don’t waste money cooling an empty house. If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to operate 5 to 10 degrees higher when the house is empty.
Alternatively, turn up the thermostat manually when leaving the house. Refrain from completely turning off your thermostat, as it requires more energy to cool the house once the air conditioning has been off. However, also keep in mind the needs of any pets in the home.
Avoid cooking during the hottest time of the days
Preheating your oven at 2:00 pm on a hot summer day is like preheating your home. Try to make meals when the sun is already down or yet to come out. Another option for hot meals is to invest in a crockpot.
Clean up and clean out
Cleaning vents and filters is a great to make sure your systems are running their best. By keeping your filters clean your air conditioner doesn’t have to work extra hard to cool your home.
Look for openings and cracks
This is one of the sneakiest ways you may be letting money slip right out the door. If you have windows or doors that have cracks or small opening, you may be letting your cool air slip out the door. Some problems may be the result of foundation problems or bigger issues, many of them are easy fixes. Some cracks can be set with simple sealant you can find at your local hardware store.
Air dry
Like your oven, your clothes dryer and dishwasher can add to your electric bill and the heat in your home. When possible opt to air dry dishes and clothing. If you prefer to use the dish dryer function use cool air instead of heated dry.
Invest in a good ceiling fan
Ceiling fans a good way of promoting air circulation. Your ceiling fan helps rotate the air coming out of the air conditioner and speeds up the cooling process.
There are simple ways you can reduce your electric bill without suffering in the heat this summer. Just making a few changes and being aware of what’s happening in your home environment can make a huge impact.
What are some ways you try to save money on your electric bill during hotter months? Want to make sure your electrical system is performing it’s best? Contact Gulf Coast Electric today!
