When it comes to home energy costs, summer can be one of the most expensive times of the year. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to cut down on the cost of your air conditioning.
1. Turn off the thermostat
Everyone likes to be cool in the summer. However, if you are trying to save money on your cooling bill, you should avoid turning the temperature down too low. Instead, set the thermostat at a middle temperature and turn on a fan if you feel warm.
2. Cool only the rooms you need
Many people have guest rooms or recreation rooms that are rarely used unless guests are in the home. If you have rooms that aren’t in use, shut the doors and seal the vents to conserve energy.
3. Use a dehumidifier
In the summer, your house sometimes feels warmer simply because of the humidity in the room. Using a dehumidifier helps keep moisture out of the air, thus allowing it to hold cool air better and feel more comfortable.
4. Perform regular maintenance
When your air conditioner unit is clean and well-maintained, it requires less energy to cool your home. Make sure that you change your filter regularly, keep your vents clean and unblocked and take care of any problems with your unit as soon as they occur.
5. Use exhaust fans sparingly
The exhaust fans found in your bathroom and kitchen can drive up energy costs when used frequently. Use these fans only when you must and turn them off as soon as they are no longer necessary.
6. Replace worn out weatherstripping
The weatherstripping around windows and doors wears over time, which leads to loss of cool air through the spaces left behind. Replace worn weatherstripping to conserve cool air and lower your energy costs.
7. Use portable fans
Portable fans are typically less expensive to operate than your air conditioner. Instead of turning up the A/C and cooling the entire house, purchase portable fan or air conditioner and place them on in the areas your family uses most. Turn each fan on only when people will be using the space.
8. Cover windows and doors
Much of the cool air that escapes from your home does so through your doors and windows. Reduce heat entering your home by covering your doors and windows with curtains and blinds in the summer.
The information in this article was obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements, nor is it intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.
