You don't want to spend the summer sweating inside, but you also don't want to pay sky-high energy bills. So, what's the solution? Well, you can keep running your AC, but try following these seven tips to save you money while doing so.
Close the blinds
According to the DOE, about 76 percent of sunlight that hits windows enters the home as heat. Not only does this heat up your thermostat, but it directly warms you up, too. Closing the blinds during the hot parts of the day and adding window screens will help stop the heat from invading your home. As a result, you won't have to keep the temperature so low and you will save money, too.
Use a fan
Installing and using a ceiling fan is one of the best ways to cool a room without having to set the thermostat temperature too low. The DOE states that by using a ceiling fan, you can raise the thermostat setting about four degrees Fahrenheit with no reduction in comfort. That means the same cooling comfort at a lower price.
There are even "smart" ceiling fans that connect to an app and automatically adjusts based on schedules you create.
Schedule AC maintenance
An easy way to save on energy costs is to make sure your system is working properly/running efficiently. One of the biggest culprits of an inefficient system is dirty air filters. You can prevent this issue by cleaning or replacing your filters once a month during the summer. It is also important to schedule an annual maintenance with your HVAC company, so that a professional can come out and make sure everything is in order.
Seal the leaks
If you don't have a new home, it's a good idea to check the inside and outside of your home for cracks and openings where air can flow through. You can also stand outside your home and run your hand around the windows and doors to see if you feel cold air. If you do, caulk around leaky windows and add insulation around doors to prevented wasted air and wasted money. For a professional assessment, schedule an energy audit.
Install a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats can save you money in two main ways. First, they can adjust to your schedule and regulate heating and cooling when you're not home. Second, they allow you to adjust the settings remotely using an app on your phone or via voice commands, so that you can easily make changes whenever you need. For instance, rather than coming home after a long day in the sun and setting the temperature super low in an effort to cool the house down quickly (which, by the way, isn't a good idea), you can set it to a regular temperature an hour before you get home so that it feels perfect when you step inside.
According to the DOE, you can also save as much as 10 percent on your energy bills by setting the thermostat seven to 10 degrees higher for eight hours a day.
Make sure the thermostat is in a good spot
Placing the thermostat on the right wall in your home will make a big difference in how well your AC works, and therefore how high or low your energy bill is. For example, if you put it next to a hot window, it will kick on more than it needs and waste energy. Thermostats should be placed on interior walls away from direct sunlight, doorways, skylights, and windows, if possible.
Upgrade to a more energy efficient system
Consider installing an energy-efficient system for your home to save money. Central AC uses ductwork, which can result in over 30 percent duct leakage. That means 30 percent of the energy that is supposed to be using to cool your home is actually being wasted. Opting for a system like Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits (with no ductwork needed) allows for maximum efficiency plus energy and money savings.
With these tips, you won't need to sacrifice comfort or pay too much for your AC!
If you live in the Delaware Valley/Greater Philadelphia area and would like to find comfort within your home, visit our website or give us a call at 215 - 245 - 3200 to learn more.
