Summertime can be hard on your electricity bill, especially if you live in a particularly warm climate. Fortunately, there are more ways to save electricity than most people are aware of. Here are some tips to help you get through summer without breaking the bank.
1. Set Your Thermostat for the Season
Some people will just turn the air conditioning on when they feel hot. This causes it to have to work excessively hard in order to cool the house down after reaching uncomfortable temperatures. Set your AC to 74, and leave it in the ON position.
2. Change the Filter on Your AC Unit
Most homes with an active occupancy should have their AC air filters changed once every 90 days. A vacation home with seasonal occupancy should receive a new air filter each year. Installing a clean, new air filter will ensure your AC unit doesn’t have to work overtime to cool your home.
3. Unplug Unused Electronics
Most electronic items and small electric appliances have lighted components that you don’t need running all the time. Charging bricks for cell phones and computers are a major culprit. They draw power even when they aren’t connected to a device.
4. Use Ceiling Fans
In the summer time, you can reverse the direction of ceiling fans to draw hot air up away from the room. This can reduce the burden on your AC and save you money.
5. Seal Doors, Windows, & Cracks
Any spots in your walls with a perforation, ie; electrical outlets, windows, doors vents, lighting fixtures and so on are probable candidates for leaking temperature treated air. Using a foam sealant to close these up will save you money.
6. Save Water
Using low-flow appliances and being frugal with your water use will help. You may also consider using cold water only in the washing machine. Also, make sure nothing is leaking.
7. Close Doors
You should avoid temperature-treating rooms that you don’t spend much time in like broom closets. Close off the vents and seal these rooms to avoid spending money on them.
8. Plant Trees
You might be surprised how much a well-placed tree can help to cool a house down. It’s usually one side of the house that gets the most sun, and one strategically placed shade tree will make a big difference.
9. Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
They may be expensive at purchase, but over time they will save you money on electricity, and they last longer than conventional bulbs.
10. Use Natural Lighting
You be surprised how many people will turn on a light when they could just open a curtain. Plus, natural light is a great way to get your vitamin D.
About ceiling fans:
Usually the fan is set to blow air up for winter to blow the hotter air that piles up onto the ceiling back down the walls and into the room. In the summer time it’s nice to have a ‘breeze’ coming down from the fan for a cooling affect.