Tired of being too warm even when you’re in your home, but don’t want to pay ridiculous energy bills either? There are some easy things you can do to keep cool, both inside and outside your home, without lowering your thermostat. First, become a fan of fans. Invest in ceiling fans. If you already use some, make sure they run continuously and the blades are moving counter clockwise (when looking up at it). This will push the air downward and will help you feel cooler by generating a “wind chill” effect. Speaking of fans, also ensure that your thermostat fan switch is turned to “On” so that the fan runs constantly there also to keep air circulating throughout the home. This will also keep the temperature more even throughout your home. Also, remember the sun is extremely hot so keep your curtains and blinds shut during the hottest hours of the day to avoid “solar gain”. Also, make sure your registers are not blocked by rugs or furniture.
If you do not have a programmable thermostat yet, definitely get one. They are not pricey ($35-$100) and will pay you back quickly in the energy you save. Programmable thermostats allow you to easily manage your temperature throughout the daytime and night without having to remember to adjust the thermostat every few hours. You can set it to increase the temperature a few degrees when no one is home or overnight when you are all asleep. Doing this every day really adds up to some significant savings.
Basic upkeep on your air conditioner is critical too. Change your air filter at least once a month and check the outdoor air conditioning unit for cotton seed, grass clippings and leaves that may have blown up against it and stuck. They will cause your air conditioner to use more electrical energy than it normally would. Squirt off the outside unit if you see any debris on it. You can also help it to run more efficiently if you place a shade tree near your outside unit. Research has proven that a unit in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than those functioning in the sunlight.
Don’t forget about insulation and air leaks. Make sure your home is effectively insulated (windows and doors are the most common areas for leaks) and check your duct system to be sure it is properly sealed.
Set your thermostat to 78 degrees. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, each degree lower will raise your energy cost by 6%. It’s usually a matter of individual comfort, so consider beginning at 78 degrees and decreasing it by one degree just about every day until finally you feel the temperature setting is where you want it. But if you employ the tips above, it shouldenable you to be more comfortable in your residence and when you pay your energy charges.
Of course, if your air conditioner is ten years old or older, it is in all probability much less efficient than the new, energy-efficient types. New, high-efficiency air conditioners can save you up to half on your energy bills for cooling. Look for the Energy Star and Energy Guide labels when comparing models and ask an air conditioning installation expert for more information and guidance.
