Summer has finally arrived, and while you may welcome the warm temperatures and longer days, you may also dread the higher energy costs that will surely follow. Here are some tips for keeping your cool without spending a fortune on your energy bills.
- Get a Smart Thermostat
Leaving your air conditioner on around the clock is one way to beat the heat, but you get hot under the collar all over again when you realize how much of your hard-earned money you’re using to keep your home comfortable.
Why waste money running your A/C while you are at work all day? A programmable thermostat will keep the house warmer when nobody is home and kick in the cool air right before you return in the evening.
- Use Ceiling Fans Strategically
Another easy way to slash your energy bill is by turning on the ceiling fan. In partnership with your air conditioner, ceiling fans are an excellent whole-room cooling technique. In the summer, switch ceiling fan blades to rotate counterclockwise, which will blow cool air straight down. A high-quality fan will allow you to raise your thermostat temperature while maintaining the same level of comfort.
- Change Your Air Filters
A dirty air filter can restrict air flow in your home, which forces your unit to work harder than it should. The result is greater energy inefficiency that costs you more money. Many manufacturers recommend changing the filter every three months, but you might want to do so more often if you have pets or if anyone in your household has respiratory issues like allergies or asthma.
- Keep the Sun Out
A significant amount of unwanted heat can enter your house through the windows. For a quick fix, buy blinds or blackout curtains to block summer sunlight and reflect the heat away from your house. If you’re looking for a longer-term solution that can also increase your curb appeal, research which trees thrive in your area and strategically plant them in front of windows.
- Get a Home Energy Audit
The way you light, heat, cool and power your home can significantly impact your bills. Old appliances are less efficient, and leaks of all sorts – from air to water – are invisible money “vampires,” driving up your utility costs. When you schedule a home energy audit, a certified adviser will inspect your property and deliver a report detailing opportunities for improvement, such as sealing gaps around doors and windows. These recommended updates require an upfront investment, but will pay for themselves over time.
- Install a Ductless Mini Split
If you and your family frequently disagree about your home’s temperature settings, a ductless system can bring more harmony to your household, while saving you up to 80% on your energy bills. Mini split systems are an energy-efficient way to create separate temperature zones throughout your living space. Each unit has a dedicated thermostat, allowing you to adjust the temperature only in the room you are using without having to raise or lower the entire home’s temperature.
- Cook Meals Al Fresco
Summer’s heat and humidity can drain you of the energy required to cook an elaborate dinner. The last thing you want is to stand at the stove for an hour, only to realize you’re so overheated you have no appetite. If you have a grill, put it to good use to whip up quick, tasty meals. You can grill everything from fruit to pizza to quesadillas, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
- Open Windows After Sundown
When the temperature drops at night, take advantage of it and open your windows. Letting some fresh air circulate through your home is an excellent way to improve your indoor air quality and keep your family healthier.
- Switch Your Lightbulbs
If you’re still using traditional lightbulbs, there’s no time like the present to switch to energy-efficient CFLs. Incandescent bulbs waste about 90% of their energy in the heat they emit, so modernizing the way you light your home can keep you cooler all summer, while lowering your electric bill.
- Upgrade Your Air Conditioner
If your air conditioner is more than a decade old and you haven’t maintained it, consider getting a new one before it fails in the peak of summer’s heat. Purchasing a brand-new, energy-efficient system will keep your home more comfortable, while slashing your utility bills. In some cases, you may even qualify for a rebate from your energy provider or the government.
With two decades of experience in the HVAC industry, Above & Beyond Heating and Air Conditioning has the expertise to help you choose the correct brand and model of air conditioner for your home. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee and customer-first philosophy ensure you can trust us with all your needs. Contact us today to schedule service or ask about our preventive maintenance plans.
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