Keep cool while saving energy
It's the classic summer showdown – a cool house versus the energy bill, and you're debating which side to take. Here are some tips on keeping the house (and yourself) cool, while saving energy.
Become a fan of the fan
According to energy.gov, if you use a ceiling fan, you can raise your thermostat by 4 degrees to save energy without sacrificing comfort. A ceiling fan can help a room feel up to 10% cooler and just uses 10% of the energy of a central air conditioner. Make sure your fan is set in the forward (counterclockwise) direction to have the best circulation in the room.
Make sure your air conditioning is #filtered
Speaking of air conditioning, make sure you're replacing your filter routinely. Energy.gov states that this could lower your air conditioner's energy consumption up to 15%. However, even if you replace your filters, your system's evaporator coils can get dirty, so also be sure to check and clean those to improve airflow.
As a rule of thumb for your thermostat, the smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill will be. If you turn your thermostat up 7 to 10 degrees from its normal cooling setting for just 8 hours a day, you could save 10% a year on cooling, which is why it's very important to find other ways to manage airflow.
Don't let that cold air (and hard-earned money) slip through the cracks
One crucial and most obvious way to keep your house cool is to ensure warm air cannot flow into your house. Windows, doors and other parts of your home can often have leaky spots and many buildings do not have enough insulation in their attics or walls. Check for cracks around the edges of windows or doors and apply caulk to seal them up. Also, you may want to reach out to your contractor for a home energy audit to give you an idea of where you are wasting energy. From there, you can install weather stripping and add more insulation.
Shade your house
What better way to hide from the blistering sun than by finding some shade? Keep your curtains and blinds closed during the day when it's the hottest. Energy efficient window treatments like blinds can block sunlight and keep out the heat. Blinds that are highly effective can minimize heat gain by 45% when closed, according to Nopecinfo.org.
Invest in a programmable thermostat
If you install a programmable thermostat, you can enjoy the cool air while you are in your home, but the air does not work overtime when you are away. If you have a set routine, it's easier to make your thermostat warmer when you are not there, but kick it on so that it's cooler by the time you walk in the door.
Give electronics a summer break
While summer is synonymous with grilling, it is smart to avoid using appliances that generate a lot of heat. This includes ovens, stoves, dishwashers, clothes dryers, and computers.
Additionally, turn off your computer or put it to sleep when it is not in use. Also, when it comes to your daily beauty routine, consider skipping the hair dryer and straightener. Hey, maybe this will allow you to research some fun new beauty tips for the hot summer months!
So, before you think about having a meltdown (literally), we hope that you'll consider using these useful tips for keeping your house cool without breaking the bank.
