It's all too easy end up with a high energy bill during the hottest months of the year. When it's sweltering outside, air conditioning feels like a necessity, but utilizing these ten energy-saving tips and habits can help you maximize your energy usage and save money.
1. Schedule air conditioner maintenance. Having an HVAC technician clean and care for your air conditioner can prevent breakdowns and help optimize energy usage because your air conditioning system will be running in good working order.
2. Clear vents. Move any furniture, rugs, or objects in the way of vents so your air conditioner can cool your whole home effectively.
3. Insulate. Make sure to check for any air leaks in your home and insulate them to keep hot air out and cool air in.
4. Use fans. Using ceiling and pedestal fans can allow you to keep your thermostat at a higher temperature without losing the comfort of cool air. Be sure to turn your ceiling fans counterclockwise for the summer season.
5. Keep windows covered. While the sun casts a beautiful glow in a room, it heats your home up a lot and can raise your energy bill significantly as your air conditioning continually works to cool your home. Closing blinds and curtains in rooms that face the sun will help you save money and keep your home cool.
6. Use appliances wisely. Using large appliances, especially during the day, can use a lot of energy. Try using your grill and microwave more than the oven or stovetop in the summer and run the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer at night.
7. Replace windows. If it's within your budget, replacing old windows with new, energy efficient ones can make a big impact on your energy savings.
8. Set your thermostat high. Setting your thermostat as high as comfortably possible to keep the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures as small as possible saves energy because the your air conditioning won't have to work as hard to maintain a cooler air temperature.
9. Upgrade. Upgrading to LED lightbulbs, a smart thermostat, and energy efficient appliances may cost a bit, but are a worthy investment for energy savings in the long run.
10. Turn off lights. As a general rule of thumb for energy efficiency, turn off the lights in a room if you won't be in there for 15 minutes or more.
2. Clear vents. Move any furniture, rugs, or objects in the way of vents so your air conditioner can cool your whole home effectively.
3. Insulate. Make sure to check for any air leaks in your home and insulate them to keep hot air out and cool air in.
4. Use fans. Using ceiling and pedestal fans can allow you to keep your thermostat at a higher temperature without losing the comfort of cool air. Be sure to turn your ceiling fans counterclockwise for the summer season.
5. Keep windows covered. While the sun casts a beautiful glow in a room, it heats your home up a lot and can raise your energy bill significantly as your air conditioning continually works to cool your home. Closing blinds and curtains in rooms that face the sun will help you save money and keep your home cool.
6. Use appliances wisely. Using large appliances, especially during the day, can use a lot of energy. Try using your grill and microwave more than the oven or stovetop in the summer and run the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer at night.
7. Replace windows. If it's within your budget, replacing old windows with new, energy efficient ones can make a big impact on your energy savings.
8. Set your thermostat high. Setting your thermostat as high as comfortably possible to keep the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures as small as possible saves energy because the your air conditioning won't have to work as hard to maintain a cooler air temperature.
9. Upgrade. Upgrading to LED lightbulbs, a smart thermostat, and energy efficient appliances may cost a bit, but are a worthy investment for energy savings in the long run.
10. Turn off lights. As a general rule of thumb for energy efficiency, turn off the lights in a room if you won't be in there for 15 minutes or more.
