You Don’t Have to be Wealthy to Stay Cool
Most New Englanders will tell you that they love the experience of all four seasons. However, when the temperature starts to rise in May, most start thinking about how they are going to stay cool. As the cost of electricity rises, it may seem impossible to keep your home comfortable and stay on budget. With these summer energy saving tips, staying cool may be more affordable than you think.
Should You Leave The AC On When You Leave The House?
Many people believe that keeping the AC on while they’re not home will keep cooling costs down. However, AC units don’t have to work harder when you turn them back on.
In reality, having the smallest difference between your indoor and outdoor temperature is what will keep your overall cooling costs low. Keeping your home much cooler than the temperature outdoors makes your system work harder, because the heat from outside wants to naturally flow into your home. Consequently, you’ll end up with a bigger electric bill.
A Programmable Thermostat is Your Energy and Money-Saving BFF
For this reason, a programmable thermostat is one of the best summer energy-saving tips. The programmable thermostat keeps your home just a little cooler than the temperature outside. When you are not at home, set it for the peak temperature outdoors.
Get to know your thermostat! Fortunately, more and more people are getting systems that allow them to control their thermostat from their phone. It doesn’t have to be a hassle to save energy and money.
Your Doors, Windows & Their Dressings: Summer Energy-Saving Tips
Certainly, taking advantage of the natural ventilation through your windows is one of the best summer energy-saving tips. On those nights where the temperature cools off, turn off your AC system and open the windows so you can let all that cool, fresh air in. Later, when you wake, close the windows and pull your blinds down so the heat stays out.
When it comes to both your windows and doors, make sure to seal any cracks and openings around them. This will prevent any outside air from leaking into your home.
Ceiling & Exhaust Fans: Work them More so Your AC System Works Less
Using a ceiling fan in conjunction with an AC system allows you to set your thermostat 4°F warmer without making you or your loved ones any less comfortable. However, keep in mind that ceiling fans do not technically lower the temperature of a room. In reality, the air current they generate simply makes you feel cooler. To keep saving energy, remember to shut them off when you’re not in the room.
In addition, using the fans in your bathroom, laundry room, and kitchen will move the humidity and hot air outside so that your AC system won’t have to run as long to keep your home cool.
Annual AC Maintenance is Key
The number one thing you can do to keep your AC unit running efficiently is to have a licensed and certified expert service it once a year. A professional will double check the system to make sure everything is working as it should.
Additionally, you might also want a cleaning, because the buildup of dust and debris over time can compromise your system. As your equipment ages, components will naturally start to fail, which can also reduce the efficiency of your system. Getting regular tune-ups keeps your unit energy-efficient.
AC Inspections
Reputable companies will also do a visual inspection within in your home so they can catch other obstacles. For instance, your contractor will look for furniture and objects that block air flow from your system’s vents. They’ll also make recommendations of where to relocate furniture placed too close to your AC’s thermostat, because these can cause your system to run longer. If moving these aren’t possible, they’ll suggest moving the thermostat to another area.
Your Appliances & Lighting Could Be Working Against You
Common household appliances and light fixtures can excessively warm up your home. Keep an eye on these things:
In the Kitchen & Laundry Room
- Oven: On especially hot days, consider cooking with your microwave, stove top, or better yet, a grill outside. Using your oven will heat your home, causing your AC system to run longer to keep your home cool.
- Dishwasher, Washer & Dryer: Make sure to pack the dishwasher and washing machine full when using them, and allow your dishes and clothes to air-dry. Your AC system and electric bill will thank you!
In the Living Space
- Lighting: Daylight is wonderful, but direct sunlight will heat up your rooms. Because of this, consider using shades on windows where the sun regularly beats in. In addition, about 90% of the energy from most incandescent bulbs becomes heat. Consider swapping out your traditional lighting for more energy efficient bulbs/fixtures.
- Computer, Gaming & Home Theatre Equipment: This is an area people get protective of. They like to keep their equipment on so that they can surf the web, jump into their favorite game, or watch TV at the click of a button. Putting your computer equipment to sleep and turning off the sound system for your TV and games when they aren’t in use will help to cut down on your electric bill and stop them from generating too much heat.
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