Tips for Reducing Your Summer Energy Bill
Many homeowners have to run their air conditioners non-stop throughout the summer to stay comfortable but are alarmed at the month-to-month costs. Why does it always seem like our energy bills are higher every summer? The great news is that if you can maximize your home cooling efficiency, you can save on your monthly electricity bill. The following tips will help you stay cool while saving energy and money this summer.
Programmable Thermostat
The best way to save the most money on your summer energy bill is to purchase a thermostat that you can program according to your daily schedule. With a programmable thermostat, you can set ideal temperatures during specific time periods, so you save energy when you’re not at home.
While you’re at work, set the thermostat to a higher temperature to ensure it’s not constantly running. If you go away on vacation, you can program your HVAC system to a higher temperature during the dates you’re away, and then program it to turn on just before you get home so it’s nice and cool. It’s also a good idea to program your system for a higher temperature when you’re asleep.
Replace Your HVAC Air Filters
Dust buildup on your HVAC air filters prevents air circulation and can block your vents. Replacing your air filters regularly will promote effective air circulation and keep your HVAC system running smoothly. It’s best to replace your filters every couple of months, and even more often if you have pets and young children. The good news is that it’s easy to do by yourself and air filters are relatively cheap.
Reduce the Sunlight Making its Way Into Your Home
When the sun shines directly through your windows, it raises the temperature of your home very quickly. Try blocking the sunlight shining into your home by using blackout curtains, or if you have the time and money, you could also plant shady trees outside the windows of your home. For the same effect, make sure you turn off the lights when you leave a room or whenever you leave your house.
Make Sure Your Vents Are Clear and Open
Sometimes homeowners overlook the simple details when they try to keep their home cool in the summer months. Make sure that your furniture or curtains are not blocking the airflow from the top of your vents, as this reduces your home’s air quality and the efficiency of your HVAC system.
Get Your HVAC System Serviced
Regular maintenance check ups can help identify small issues before they become big problems. Air conditioner maintenance will increase the longevity of your AC unit. Your qualified contractor should clean outdoor coils, check voltage connections and make sure the refrigerant is at proper levels. By doing this, you’re making sure that you can depend on long-lasting comfort and prevent yourself from having to buy new equipment or pay for expensive repairs.
These tips will help you to stay cool, save energy, and save money in hot summer months!