Whether jumping into a pool, enjoying your favorite ice-cold drink, or treating yourself to a well-deserved ice bath, we can all agree that nothing speaks of comfort better than allowing yourself to cool down on a hot summer day.
For this reason, most of us resort to ramping up our air-conditioning units and letting the machines do the hard work while we get some rest. All this cooling, however, can quickly add hundreds to our electricity bills. But worry not. We’re here to help you beat the summer heat with minimal expenses. You can save a small fortune in the blink of an eye by applying certain measures and taking total control of your A/C system.
One of the best ways to get by without breaking a sweat is to install an energy-efficient A/C system that will cool down your home and keep it that way.
Your tasks, however, don’t end there. You can do many things inside and outside your home to reduce your energy bills and prolong your unit’s lifespan. From learning how to control the thermostat to covering the windows to planting trees, there are more than enough ways to help you make the most out of your A/C system while reducing energy consumption. What are you waiting for? Energy efficiency starts now.
Install Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can do magic by helping the air circulate, giving you the feeling that it’s colder in your home than it is. In general, you should be able to set the temperature on your A/C thermostat up to four degrees higher without sacrificing your comfort when you run a ceiling fan with the air conditioner.
If installing a ceiling fan is not an option, using a stand fan is your next best solution to keep the A/C bill in check.
Fun fact: German-American mechanical engineer Philip Diehl invented an electrically powered ceiling fan in 1882.
Seal The Leaks
Ideally, you can hire a professional to run an energy audit, identify the primary sources of energy leaks, and tell you where more insulation is needed.
If this is not an option, try doing a visual check outside and inside your home. Look for cracks, gaps, and other openings that air might pass through. A thorough inspection of your windows and doors is an excellent place to start.
Give Your House Some Shade
One of the most environmentally friendly and effective techniques for lowering your A/C bill is to plant some leafy trees around your property. These trees will provide shade that will naturally keep your home cooler during hot weather.
Since most of the heat accumulates in our homes due to sunlight being absorbed by the roof, walls, and windows, shade naturally boosts energy conservation.
If your situation allows, plant broad, leafy trees on the east and west sides of your property to block the rays coming from low in the sky. To deal with the rays coming from high in the sky, plant some tall trees to the south of your property.
Use An Energy-Efficient A/C
When buying an A/C unit, pick one with the highest energy-efficiency rating. It might cost more than alternatives, but it will save you tons of money in the long run.
Fun fact: Energy-efficient air conditioners can help you save up to 50% on cooling energy
The A/C you have should be the right size for the space in which it cools. A unit that is too small will work overtime to cool the place down, increasing your bill. An oversized unit will cool the air but possibly not run long enough to dehumidify it, resulting in a clammy environment.
Schedule Regular Maintenance & Service
Routine maintenance of your A/C system will prolong its lifespan and ensure that your energy consumption stays at a minimum.
As the U.S. Department of Energy explains, keeping the filters clean can help your A/C reduce energy use by up to 15%.
In addition, other parts of the system – such as the condenser and the evaporator – need periodic cleaning. Schedule regular servicing to get the most out of your unit and lower your utility bills.
Keep Your Doors And Windows Closed
One foolproof technique for saving money on A/C in the summer is to ensure all windows and doors are closed while the system is in operation.
By stopping the hot, outside air from getting into your home, the cool breeze that your A/C worked hard to produce will stay in the room longer, lowering the effort the system needs to exert to keep you comfortable.
Cover Your Windows
The U.S. Department of Energy explains that as much as 76% of sunlight that falls on standard-edition windows enters the home as heat. This significantly contributes to high energy bills by making your A/C unit work harder to achieve the desired temperature.
The best way to counter this problem is to install thick blinds, solar screens, or other solutions that block the rays and the energy they deliver into your home. This is most important for windows facing east or west, as they receive morning and afternoon sunlight.
Fun fact: Our windows are generally responsible for the loss of about 30% of heating or cooling energy in our homes.
Set The Right Temperature
The minimum temperature you can set on your thermostat is likely not ideal for you. Setting your A/C at 60°F while the temperatures soar over one hundred degrees outside is very uneconomical and puts a lot of stress on your device.
Instead of running your unit on max for a prolonged time, set the temperature to between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit—the optimal air temperature for most humans. This will help you trim your bill while preserving your device’s lifespan.
Give Your Air Conditioner A Break
Setting the timer or switching off your device intermittently can do wonders for your electricity bill by cutting usage time. It also allows your A/C to take a pause and run more efficiently the next time you turn it on.
If you decide to give your unit a 30-minute break, the room should stay cold enough for comfort until you turn it back on. Meanwhile, the dollars will start dropping from your A/C bill.
Talk To Your Electric Company
Some utility companies offer assistance programs such as monthly discounts and reduced rates to eligible customers. Others let you pay a fixed monthly amount throughout the year to avoid dealing with massive spikes throughout the summer.
Visit your service provider’s website or call them to inquire about promotions and other deals. It’s definitely worth trying!