An important step in saving money during the summer is knowing how to save money on electricity. The cost of heating and cooling your home often makes up the largest portion of your annual utility bill. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to reduce cooling costs without incurring heat stress or large bills.
Here are some easy-to-learn tips that will help your budget:
- Turn the thermostat up to 78° or higher in the summer: for every degree below 78°, the air conditioning system uses about 5% more energy.
- During sleeping hours set the thermostat to 85°
- During summer vacation or anytime you’re away, set the thermostat to 85° to prevent the refrigerator from overworking and moisture buildup.
- Check the insulation of your house. Current standards require at least R-30 in the attic, R-13 in the walls, and R-19 in the floor.
- Install weather stripping around doors and windows
- caulk the windows
- Install duct wrap or caulk around air ducts
- Close unused rooms*
- When replacing windows, opt for high-performance double-pane windows
- Have your air conditioner checked annually and change the filters every 3 months
- Install and use window coverings (blinds/awnings/shades/tints) to block out sunlight and keep temperatures down during the summer
- Close the fireplace damper
- If you have a window or split unit, and if possible, place the air conditioning unit in a north-facing or shaded window. Direct sunlight reduces the efficiency of your unit.
- Provide shade for your air conditioning unit. Direct sunlight reduces the efficiency of your unit.
- Use fans whenever possible. They cost 90% less to operate than your air conditioner.
- Wear light and breathable clothing.
- have cold drinks
- Limit stove and oven use to early morning and early evening. Eat something like a salad or sandwich for lunch or leftovers that can be heated in the microwave.
Another thing to remember is that when you return to a hot house, set the thermostat very low. I will not do it cool your home faster. Avoid doing this because you’ll most likely forget you did it until you’re shivering later. Then, when you receive the electricity bill, you will tremble again.
Cooling your home can be expensive, but there are obviously plenty of ways to save. Be cool and live frugally.
*Only close the vents that are far away from the air conditioning unit and do not close more than 30% of the total area of your house. Make sure the room whose vents you are closing does not have a thermostat. If possible, leave the door open even if you close the vents. This is due to the need for air circulation. All in all, this is a tricky area because getting it wrong could actually result in a larger utility bill than a small one. If you have any doubts, it is better to leave everything open.