During the summer it feels like everything is increasing; your grocery bill since the kids are home, gas prices, and the heat! And with the heat comes an increase in your energy bill from running your AC all day. Here we will discuss some ways to help keep your home cool and your energy bill down.
Another way to save money is to shop around for home insurance. Call Texan Insurance to review your policy options for chances to save money.
- Keep the Filter Clean
A dusty filter reduces airflow. Examine the unit’s air filters once a month and clean or replace filters when necessary. Keeping your filters clean can cut energy use by 5-15%.
Also, keep heat-producing appliances, such as televisions or lamps, away from the thermostat. The heat they produce can fool your thermostat into continuing to cool.
If you are looking to replace your thermostat, you may want to choose one that offers a warning LED that reminds you to change the filter each month.
- Maintain the Ducts and Vents
If you are using a central air conditioning unit, make sure the air ducts are properly insulated, especially those that pass through the attic or any other unconditioned areas.
You may want to have a specialist check for holes or leaks in the ducts. Duct tape can offer a temporary repair, but you will want to have any holes or leaks properly fixed.
Make sure furniture does not obstruct air conditioning vents. Close off unused rooms and close vents in those rooms.
- Check for Household Leaks
Make sure air isn’t escaping through unnecessary openings such as fireplace dampers, doors, and windows. Inspect the seals around doors and windows to see if weather stripping or caulk needs to be applied.
- What You Do Around the House
Natural light is great, but the sun’s heat can raise the temperature in your home. Make sure blinds and drapes are closed to help reduce the sun’s thermal heat. If you are intent on letting the light in, install reflective film on the windows to block some of the heat. You also want to reserve heat and humidity-producing tasks like cooking and doing the laundry to early morning or late evening.
- Use Your Fans
Fans can also help cool your home. No one is saying that a fan can replace your air conditioner, but they can give supplemental cooling. Substituting fans for air conditioners on milder days can save 60% or more in energy costs.
Setting the fan on your air conditioner can help you save as well. Set the fan speed on high except in very humid weather. This helps push cool air around the house.
- Set the Thermostat to the Best Temperature
Turning your thermostat to 78 degrees is the best setting for your air conditioner during warmer months. Reducing your thermostat to 72 degrees could increase your cooling costs by 12 to 47 percent.
Also remember, setting your AC low at first will not help your home cool faster. It will use more energy and if you forget to adjust it, you will be running far less efficiently than you think.