The summer season is great for outdoor activities, but it can lead to higher electricity costs when you must run your air conditioner more often. Thankfully, numerous options are available to reduce cooling costs without compromising convenience. There are 9 easy ways to save money on air conditioning this summer that have been listed below.
1. Put In a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an investment that can pay for itself over time. Schedule-based temperature settings on these thermostats mean you can turn down the AC when you're not there to save money.
2. Make Frequent Filter Changes
Having to work harder than necessary, your air conditioner will run up your power bill if the air filter is dirty. You should replace your air filters every three months to keep your system functioning at peak performance.
3. Close Your Window Coverings
The sun's rays can quickly warm a home, making the HVAC system work harder than necessary. Close the blinds and curtains to keep your home cooler during the day's hottest hours.
4. Fan The Ceilings
Using ceiling fans with an air conditioner will allow you to raise the thermostat setting without compromising comfort. To generate a refreshing breeze in the summer, turn your ceiling fans in the opposite direction, from clockwise to anticlockwise.
5. Mend Air Leaks
Warm air can seep through cracks around your windows and doors, forcing your air conditioner to work harder than needed. Seal your home's cracks with caulk and weather stripping to reduce heating and cooling costs.
6. Put in Energy-Saving Lights
Using incandescent light bulbs can significantly raise the temperature in your home due to their high thermal output. If you want to save money on cooling, switching to energy-efficient light bulbs can help.
7. Cool Off with A Portable AC Unit
You can save money by cooling only the room you spend the most time in with a portable air conditioner. You can save money using a portable air conditioner in the long run because of its lower energy consumption.
8. Put Your Stove Away and Fire Up the Grill
If you cook with the stove, you may find that your air conditioner has to work harder than usual to cool the house down. To save money on air-conditioning costs, you should use your grill for cooking meals during the summer.
9. Remember To Perform Regular Maintenance on Your AC
Air conditioners serviced regularly have a lower risk of malfunctioning and a longer lifespan. Keep your system running smoothly by having a professional service once a year. You can easily find professional services near you. For example, if you live in Oklahoma City, you can search google for a residential heating and air company in OKC. They can give you an estimate for the services your unit may need.
Natural Ventilation Can Reduce Cooling Costs and Has Many Advantages
Natural ventilation is something to consider reducing your cooling costs. The following are some positive aspects of allowing natural airflow into your home.
The Use of Energy Effectively
Energy costs can be reduced by using natural ventilation to cool a home. You can lessen your impact on the environment and save money on your energy bills by switching from air conditioning to natural ventilation.
Cleaner And Healthier Indoor Air
The quality of air inside your home can also benefit from natural ventilation. By allowing air from the outdoors, natural ventilation helps dilute indoor air of pollutants and allergens.
Reducing Relative Humidity
Home humidity levels can be lowered with the aid of natural ventilation. Natural ventilation can help remove excess moisture and improve indoor comfort, making your home feel cooler and drier.
Enhanced Capability to Rest
Better sleep is another benefit of using natural ventilation. Cooler temperatures in the bedroom can aid in inducing and maintaining sleep. To get a good night's rest, it's important to have a comfortable sleeping environment, and natural ventilation can help with that.
Lessening The Burden on The Budget
You can reduce your cooling costs by making use of natural ventilation. Reducing your use of air conditioning helps you save money on utility bills and lessens your environmental impact. Natural ventilation is also an inexpensive option because it does not necessitate purchasing or installing any special tools.
Better Ecologically
Natural ventilation can be an eco-friendly approach to keeping your house cool. Reduce your impact on the environment and reduce your reliance on fossil fuels by using natural air currents and breezes.
Strategies to Save Money and Energy
With careful planning and design, having a more comfortable home that doesn't cost as much to cool is possible. Some suggestions on how to apply passive cooling strategies are provided below.
Orientation
The direction your home faces can significantly affect how much energy it wastes. The use of artificial heating and cooling systems can be reduced if a house is situated to take advantage of solar radiation and breezes. Proper shading and ventilation can keep your home cool in the summer and help keep your home warm in the winter if your windows face south.
Insulation
Saving money on air conditioning is as simple as installing the right insulation. Maintain adequate insulation to keep warm air inside and cold air outside. In addition to lowering your heating and cooling costs, insulation can help you save money on water heating costs.
Roofing
The cost of air conditioning can be affected by the roofing material used. Roofs of lighter colors reflect more sunlight, reducing the heat absorbed by the roof and the home. Metal roofs are also a viable option because of their ability to reflect sunlight and longevity compared to other roofing materials.
Windows
In the summer, windows let in a lot of unwanted heat. Installing windows that reflect heat and UV rays is one option for lowering cooling costs. Blinds, curtains, and shades are all good examples of shading devices that can keep the sun out of a room during the hottest parts of the day.
Landscaping
Low cooling costs may also be achieved through landscaping. You can naturally shade your home and lower your energy bills by planting trees and shrubs correctly. As a result, you may be able to use less air conditioning in the summer.
Airflow
Air circulation is critical to an energy-efficient building's design. The need for air conditioning can be reduced if the space is well-ventilated. Ensure your house's doors, windows, and vents are strategically placed to maximize natural ventilation.
Conclusion
Saving money on cooling doesn't have to be hard or
expensive. Practicing these 9 ingenious methods lets you keep your home cool
and comfortable without breaking the bank. You can keep cool and save money on
energy costs by making deliberate decisions and doing extra work this summer.
