In summer, we all try to take advantage of the nice weather by spending more time outside. But it can also be when your energy bills go up, as you run your air conditioner more often. Use these simple, low-cost strategies to remain warm this season and save money on your energy bill.
Feeling too hot is never pleasant, whether you’re sweating at your desk during the day or tossing and turning at night. The good news is that you can save energy and stay cool simultaneously.
How Can Save Energy and Still Stay Cool?
Here are a few options for achieving both goals.
Your Fans Are your Allies
Although air conditioners are a boon, alternative methods to keep cool are available. Ceiling fans are an excellent addition to any air conditioning system. A typical high-efficiency central air conditioning machine consumes about 3,500 watts of power on average. On the other hand, a ceiling fan consumes about 50 watts of power.
While air conditioning may still be required throughout your house, employing a ceiling fan in rooms where you spend long periods, such as a home office or a bedroom, can help you feel cooler. Ceiling fans keep you cool, allowing you to raise the temperature of your air conditioner, reducing the frequency with which it runs, and saving energy.
When purchasing ceiling fans, seek ENERGY STAR certified models. They’ll have a superior motor and blade design than conventional ones, using 60% less energy. ENERGY STAR-certified ceiling fans also allow you to reverse the airflow direction, utilizing them in the winter. Simply changing the direction in which the blades move can help you save money on your heating bills.
When you’re not in the room, turn off the fan or lower the speed to conserve even more energy, regardless of the season.
Is it Time to Turn on the Energy STAR Air Conditioner?
It’s fine if it’s time to turn on the air conditioner; you can still conserve energy, and it will necessitate some research. Portable units, window units, and split ductless air conditioners are all available in addition to central air conditioners.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label on the air conditioner units you’re considering, just like you with ceiling fans. Most essential, speak with a trained contractor who can assist you in determining which type of unit is ideal for your space and will save you the most energy. The importance of sizing, for example, cannot be overstated. A too-large unit for the space will be inefficient, resulting in higher long-term costs.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Try a smart thermostat if you want to spend less time worrying about your home’s temperature, which we don’t blame you for. This simple set-up device learns your routine and changes the temperature accordingly, allowing you to cross another item off your daily to-do list.
Keep location in mind while installing your smart thermostat so you may get more representative temperature readings and enhance your comfort.
Make a Change to your Summer Menu
Try some new dishes and take a vacation from your stoves and oven. Instead of utilizing heat-generating gadgets indoors, take advantage of outside cooking with a BBQ. Also, no-bake desserts are a good option.
Don’t have a grill? It’s no problem. Cooking meals in batches is a good idea. You’ll save electricity and keep your kitchen cooler by only having to turn your appliances on once.
Don’t Forget About Upkeep
Yes, summers are for relaxing and having fun, but you’ll be glad you took the time to do some essential home maintenance.
Because of the air leakage in your home, your air conditioner (and, in the colder months, your heat sources) will have to work much harder. Fortunately, there is a low-cost and easy technique to stop air leaks. You can better manage your home’s temperature and humidity levels by using weather stripping and caulking around your windows and doors.
Upgrade to energy-efficient windows and make sure you have enough quality insulation if you have the time and money for more extensive repairs.
Reduce your Hot Water Usage
If your home has a centralized hot water system, consider how much you use and when. You’ll conserve energy and save money on your gas or electricity bill by making some simple changes to your habits.
You can install low-flow showerheads to reduce the amount of water you use without compromising water pressure. Reducing your shower time by even a minute can conserve significant amounts of hot water.
Washing your clothes in cold water can also help since most of the energy used by washing machines goes into heating the water. You can save even more energy (and money) by line-drying your clothes instead of a tumble dryer.
Use Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
CFLs and LEDs use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, saving money in the long run. Consider switching to energy-efficient lighting in all the rooms in your house, especially if you tend to leave the lights on for long periods.
Turn Off Electronics when you’re Not Using Them
You might not think that your TV or computer is doing much harm by sitting in standby mode, but it’s one of the biggest energy wasters in your home. Make sure to unplug all electronics when they’re not in use, and you’ll see a difference on your next energy bill.
Heating and cooling make up the majority of most homes’ energy usage, so it’s essential to make sure your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible. By following these tips, you can lower your energy consumption and keep your home comfortable all summer long.
What Is the Best Temperature to Save Money in Summer?
Many people believe that the best way to save money on their air conditioning bill is to crank up the thermostat, and unfortunately, this can cost you more money in the long run. The ideal temperature for your air conditioner depends on various factors, including the outside temperature, the humidity levels, and the number of people in your home.
In general, the lower the temperature, the higher your air conditioning bill. It is because your air conditioner has to work harder to cool your home when the temperature is lower. In addition, if the humidity levels are high, it can take even longer for your air conditioner to cool your home, which can also end up costing you more money.
Conclusion
The summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be hard on our energy bills. Knowing how and when you should use your air conditioner during this hot season will help keep you cool while staying within budget. The first step to staying cool and saving money is knowing what type of unit you need for your home or office. Central air conditioners are the most common, but window units can work well in small spaces. Once you have your unit, the key to saving money is using it wisely. Try setting the thermostat a few degrees higher than usual and using fans to circulate the cool air. You should also keep your AC unit clean and free of debris to ensure it is running efficiently. Lastly, schedule regular maintenance checks to ensure your unit is running correctly. By following these simple tips, you can stay cool all summer long without breaking the bank.
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