Air conditioning is necessary to keep homes cool during the hot summer months, but it can cost a lot to run. Several easy ways can save money on electricity bills and better use your air conditioner. In this article, we’ll look at nine simple and useful ways to save money on energy without sacrificing comfort.
1. Change the Air Filter Every 6 Months
A simple but effective way to keep your AC running well is to change the air filter often. When the filter is dirty, airflow is limited, which makes the air conditioner work harder and use more energy. You can keep your AC running smoothly by changing the filter every six months or more often if you have pets or allergies. To change the filter, turn off the air conditioner, find the filter, and take out the old one. Then, put in a new filter of the same size and turn the air conditioner back on.
2. Use Smart Thermostats or AC Controllers
Smart thermostats and AC controllers can help you save a lot of energy by letting you control your home’s temperature more efficiently. You can change the settings on these devices even when you’re not at home by using apps on your phone. They can also learn your schedule and change the temperature to save energy. Remote access, scheduling, and geofencing are some benefits that ensure your home is always at the right temperature without wasting energy.
3. Keep Your Doors and Windows Closed
It is important to keep doors and windows closed while your AC runs to get the most out of it. When you leave doors and windows open, hot air comes in, which makes the air conditioner work harder to cool the room. Ensure the seals on your doors and windows are tight so air doesn’t leak out. Weatherstripping around them can help keep them warmer, and closing curtains and blinds during the day can keep direct sunlight out, which lowers heat gain.
4. Set the Right Temperature
Your energy bills can go down significantly if you set your thermostat to the right temperature. When you are at home and need to cool down, the U.S. Department of Energy says to keep the thermostat at 78°F. Turn up the temperature to 85°F or higher when you’re not home. This balance helps keep things comfortable while using less energy. Using the sleep mode on your air conditioner at night can also slowly raise the temperature, saving energy while you sleep.
5. Use the Right-Size AC for Your Room
Picking an air conditioner the right size for the room is crucial for keeping it cool. If the air conditioner is too big, it will cool the room quickly but not effectively remove humidity, making the space feel soggy. On the other hand, an air conditioner that is too small will have trouble cooling the room, which will use more energy. You need to measure the room to find the right BTU (British Thermal Unit) rating for your AC. To make sure you choose the right size unit, you can use online calculators or talk to a professional in HVAC.
6. Turn Off the AC When You’re Not Home
A good way to save energy is to turn off the AC when you’re not home. Setting your programmable thermostat to turn off the AC when you’re not home and on when you get back is a good idea. This will keep your house comfortable when you get home without using extra energy while you’re away. You can set schedules with a programmable thermostat; vacation mode can turn off the AC when you leave for a long time.
7. Use Ceiling Fans
You can raise the thermostat a few degrees and still be comfortable using ceiling fans to move cool air around your home. Fans that hang from the ceiling use less electricity than air conditioners and can make a room feel cooler by making the air feel cooler. To get the most out of ceiling fans, turn them off when you leave a room and run them counterclockwise in the summer to make a cool breeze.
8. Insulate Your Home
The right insulation can help keep your home cool by keeping cool air out and hot air in. The attic needs extra insulation because heat can build up and spread to the rest of the house. Pay attention to insulating the walls, ducts, and attic. To keep cool air from escaping before it gets to the rooms, insulate the attic with fibreglass batts, blown-in insulation, or spray foam. Also, add insulation to the outside walls.
9. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Maintaining your air conditioner regularly is important for getting the most out of it. If you take care of your air conditioner, it will last longer and use less energy. Maintenance tasks include inspecting and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, checking the refrigerant levels, cleaning the outdoor unit, and checking the ducts for leaks or blockages. Setting up yearly maintenance checks with a professional HVAC technician will keep your AC running well.
Conclusion
Follow these nine simple tips to keep your electricity bills low and make good use of your AC. To save money and energy, it’s important to do regular maintenance, insulate properly, and use thermostats and fans smartly. Using these tips, you can stay cool and comfortable this summer without spending much money.
