The summer months are the time to relax and kick back with friends at the pool or beach. But when temperatures heat up, it’s important to ensure you stay cool. Summer is also when energy bills can skyrocket because your air conditioner will run more than it usually does. Estimates show that up to a third of households’ energy use goes towards keeping the home cool in the summer. Following these simple steps can reduce those bills and save more money.
1. Turn Down the Thermostat in the Summer
If your home is too hot, try turning down your thermostat by a few degrees. If you’re not home during the day, make sure you have a programmable thermostat so it will turn down automatically when you’re gone.
A programmable thermostat is a handy device that controls your home’s temperature without you having to do it manually. The programmable thermostat is the smarter way to maintain the temperature in your home. You can easily set the temperature in your house at night, so it’s cooler when you get up in the morning, and set it back at night when you’re going to bed, so it doesn’t get too warm.
2. Do a Deep Cleaning of Your Air Conditioning Unit
One way to keep your bill low during summer is to clean your AC filter monthly. This can help you save on your energy costs because you’ll notice that your heating and cooling system works more efficiently when it’s kept clean. It would help if you also had the unit serviced by a professional each year to ensure it’s running as efficiently as possible.
3. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance
Another way to save money is to schedule routine HVAC maintenance with a reputable company. At least twice a year, you should have your ducts and vents cleaned so that the cool air reaches every area of your home. It would help if you also got the unit serviced once a year to fix problems as they arise quickly. Keeping up with these regular maintenance appointments will help ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently for many years.
You can also get emergency furnace repair. However, most of the time, you will find that the problems you have can be solved by regular HVAC maintenance. This includes cleaning or replacing furnace filters and emptying the furnace’s collection box at least once a year.
4. Close the Blinds During the Day
Even if you live in an apartment, you can still control the temperature in your home by closing the blinds during the day. This will help to block out direct sunlight, thereby keeping your home cooler. You should also pull down window shades at night, as this will help keep it cool and dark when you’re ready to sleep.
5. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a must, especially when it gets a little hot in the late afternoon. They can reduce your cooling costs by up to 40 percent. Fans help circulate the air in your home and keep it moving, so it doesn’t get stale or too hot. They also help evaporate moisture in the air, which helps cool you down. Make sure you have ceiling fans in all bedrooms to enjoy them throughout the house.
6. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances
To reduce energy use throughout the year, try switching out your incandescent bulbs for light-emitting diodes (LED). They save money over time because they don’t need to be replaced often, and you’ll also see a distinct drop in your energy bills.
If you’re not cleaning the inside of your dishwasher, you’re wasting money. The same goes for not running your clothes washer properly. Also, if you aren’t drying your dishes properly, it will be more efficient to hand wash them instead of using a dishwasher. By investing in energy-efficient appliances and replacing them with newer models that are more efficient, you’ll save money for years to come.
Conclusion
Following these seven tips will save much money on your energy bills. Make sure to save energy in the summer to enjoy the pool or the beach while keeping your air conditioner running more efficiently. By utilizing these tips and working towards energy efficiency, you can do your part in saving the environment one step at a time.
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