8 Ways to Save Money On Air Conditioning This Summer
Summer is almost here, and with it comes unbearable heat.
It might be tempting to rush for the air conditioning to try and cool down your home, but this can make your electricity bill skyrocket.
In the United States, air conditioning costs for homeowners hit about $29 billion each year. It's hard enough to take refuge from the sweltering heat, but high costs for air conditioning can make it even harder.
Don't lose hope just yet--there are a number of ways you can handle your electricity bill this summer and save money on air conditioning. Here's how to cut those costs this summer.
8 Ways to Save Money on Air Conditioning
When the weather gets hot, electricity bills can spike.
Especially if you have a variable-rate plan, high demand for home air conditioning pushes up the price. Cooling costs alone can account for half or more of your power bills overall.
Don't let your AC blow your money away. Here are 8 ways you can save on your AC bill this summer.
1. AC maintenance
Give your air conditioning system regular checkups--or even replacements.
Keeping your AC filter clean and clearing out any potential clogs can save 5-15% in energy use alone. Plus it will work more efficiently and save you money in repair costs.
If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, it might be time for a new one. Even though it'll cost you a little money up front, it could save you lots of energy costs in the long run.
2. Adjust your thermostat
Make sure you have a programmable thermostat to automate the temperature in your home.
Although you might not think to adjust the thermostat during hot weather, just a small change in temperature can make a big dent in your energy usage.
You can program your thermostat to adjust the temperature according to whether you're away, at home, or asleep. Try raising the temperature by seven to ten degrees for at least eight hours a day when you're outside the house.
3. Retrofit your home
Doing a little remodeling could save you a lot in the long term, especially if you live in a hot climate.
Take advantage of some cost-effective cooling strategies around the home like installing quality insulation, ductwork, and air barriers. You can also install items like shaded windows, solar screens, or just plant more trees and foliage around your home to keep everything cool.
Make sure that your interior design captures as much of the cool air as possible. You don't want the cool air from your air conditioner to go straight out the window. Be sure that everything is both airtight and shaded.
4. Keep things moving
Install ceiling fans or other large fans to circulate cool air throughout your home.
This can help take some of the burden off your air conditioning system and increase your energy efficiency. Moving air also evaporates the sweat off your skin--helping you feel even cooler and more comfortable in your home.
There's no need to invest in any expensive fans. Just a simple ceiling fan or standing fan--especially in the upper level of a home--can make a big difference in the temperature of your home.
5. Skip indoor cooking
During especially hot stretches of the summer, try your best to avoid cooking in an oven or on a stovetop.
Indoor cooking generates a lot of heat, which puts additional strain on your air conditioning unit. Try eating cold foods, cooking with the microwave, or trying outdoor cooking on a grill when you can. You can also use appliances that produce less heat--like electric griddles or crockpots.
Whenever you do cook inside, be sure to keep your windows open and turn on the kitchen exhaust as soon as you're done.
6. Check your windows
The easiest way to lose money on your AC bill is to let all that cold air escape the house.
While the design of your house has a lot to do with it, you can keep cool air trapped inside by making sure your windows are well maintained and airtight.
If you have old windows, consider replacing them with more energy-efficient windows. Check on your windows regularly to make sure they're properly sealed and that there's no cracks or weathering that might allow air to leak outside.
7. Repaint your roof
It might not seem like a big deal, but the color of your roof can have a significant impact on how heat builds in your house.
Just like how you might feel hotter in a black shirt than a white one, having a dark roof can heat up the rooms underneath it. Dark roofs can reach up to 150 degrees or more in the summer heat.
Try painting your roof a lighter color or even adding a reflective material to help your house stay much cooler during the summer months.
8. Install solar panels
If you live in a hot climate and you're looking for ways to offset the cost of your electric bills, solar panels are a great option.
Installing solar panels on your roof will let you use energy from the sun to power your home and reduce the cost of an air conditioning system.
Depending on whether you buy or lease the solar panels, the cost may vary. While it's definitely a big upfront cost, it could be just the investment you need to save money on cooling costs in the long run.
The Bottom Line
Just by making a few simple adjustments around the home, you could save money on air conditioning with little effort or cost required.
Cutting back on air conditioning costs can keep you and your family more comfortable during the summer months, help your home become energy efficient, and even improve the environment by reducing carbon emissions.
Looking for an affordable installation? Contact us today for a free quote on your air conditioning job!
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