The temperature is rising, and so is your utility bill. According to the U.S Department of Energy heating and air conditioning take a 43% bite from your monthly utility bill. There are many ways to keep this cost down that don’t involve a “don’t touch this” post-it-note over your thermostat. Here are some tips for the whole family.
Shade your home from the heat- Most heat that accumulates inside a home is from the sun beating in the windows causing the temperature to raise at a rapid pace. Invest in heat and sun blocking shades or solar screens. Shading your home using trees and shrubs will also keep the sun from beating directly into your home. Many people don’t know shading your AC unit can also boost its efficiency by up to 10 percent.
Don’t leave your home without adjusting your thermostat- Make sure to change the settings depending on the time of day. There’s no need for a cool home if no one is in it. Make it a priority to turn the temperature setting up when you leave for the day. This will stop the AC from running all day long and save you lots on your bill. On those busy mornings set a reminder in your phone or a note on your keys so you don’t forget to lower before leaving!
Basic fan usage will work wonders- Many people assume that if air conditioner is running there is no need to run a fan as well. In reality the key is to circulate air inside the house by using a fan so the temperature is as evenly distributed throughout the house as possible. There is no need to invest in the expensive fans that are on the market. Basic fans will get the air moving and doing the job.
Fan speed depends on humidity NOT temperature- Set your fan speed on high for normal warm days, on hot days set your fan speed on low. Most people would think the hotter the temperature, the faster the fan. When in reality the slower the air movement through the AC, the more moisture will be removed from the air.
Most importantly, give your AC the TLC it deserves- Your air conditioning unit works very, very hard to keep you cool through the summer. The efficiency of your unit depends on the attention you give it. Check your unit weekly to make sure there is no debris, overgrown grass, trash, etc. blocking the fan or unit. Keep the filter clean in order to allow for good air movement. What many people do not know is spending the cost to replace an old unity with a new one can save you significant money on your energy cost from month to month. Cutting it almost in half! Looking for a unit with a high-energy-efficiency ratio or Energy Star-Qualified unit can help you get the most out of your money. Every year new units are introduced that are more efficient, energy saving, as well as cost cutting. If you plan on staying in your home for an extended period of time, purchasing a new more efficient AC unit may pay for it’s self.
So, as the temperature rises do not panic. Follow these tips and make sure everyone in your home is on the same page. Close the blinds if you aren’t in the room, set the temperature higher when you are not home, run a fan to circulate the air, and keep a close eye on your AC unit. Also keep in mind the winter is brutal and will be here before you know it, so don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy the heat!
For any of your Home Improvement needs or assistance cleaning, installing, or purchasing a new AC unit contact Nothnagle Home Services. We work with local, reliable, and trustworthy businesses to help you get the job done the right way!
