It’s normal for your energy use at home to increase during the summer, but there are some easy ways that you can reduce summer cooling costs. Follow these tips to keep your energy bills low while also staying comfortable and cool in your house.
Adjust Your Thermostat Habits
One of the best and easiest ways to reduce your summer cooling costs is to adjust your thermostat habits. A programmable thermostat helps you save energy. With these thermostats, you can program them to raise the temperature when you are not home, which reduces your electric bill. Set it to bring the temperature down a few degrees around the time people will be getting home for the day. The AC won’t have been working hard to cool an empty house while you were away.
Reduce Summer Cooling Costs with Home Improvements
Investing in some simple home improvements can also help you save energy and money. Windows are meant to let light in, but during the summer, they let in a lot of heat as well. Heavy window coverings or treatments, like insulated shades, window films, or blackout drapes, will reduce the amount of heat that comes in through the window.
Energy-efficient LED lighting is also a great way to reduce your summer cooling costs. With your windows covered to keep that hot sun out, you will need efficient lighting inside. LED lights use much less energy than regular bulbs to help you save. Also, ceiling fans will help you keep cooler by circulating air around the room.
Give Your Appliances a Rest to Reduce Summer Cooling Costs
During the summer, you can also reduce summer cooling costs by giving your appliances a break or using them only at specific times of the day. Instead of using your oven, which quickly raises the temperature in the house, try cooking outside on the grill or making cold meals.
It’s best to only use your dishwasher and washer/dryer in the early morning or late evening hours. This way, these appliances aren’t adding more heat and steam into the air, which will cause your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a cool temperature. Use the cold water settings on your washing machine to save energy.
Air Conditioner Efficiency
A simple way to keep your energy cost low is to maintain your air conditioner so that it is operating as efficiently as possible. Change the filter frequently and have the unit serviced each year. Also, if you have an older air conditioner, you may consider replacing it with a newer model that is more energy-efficient.
Amerispec Inspection Service provides home inspection services to the Dallas-Ft Worth area. Contact us to schedule an inspection.