6 Ways to Keep Your Cooling Bills Lower This Summer Than Last
It’s no secret that energy bills go up in the summer. The combination of higher temperatures and more time spent at home can result in cranking the air conditioning system up high in order to stay comfortable. But there are a few things you can do to keep your costs down.
Are you looking for tips and tricks to lower your cooling bills? Here are some tips:
1. Monitor Your Thermostat
Your air conditioner doesn’t need to be blasting cold air 24/7 to keep your home comfortable. In fact, setting it a few degrees higher can help you save money on your energy bill. Every degree can make a difference!
What Should Your AC Be Set on to Save Money?
For every degree you raise your thermostat, you can save about 3% on your energy bill. So if you normally keep your air conditioner set at 75 degrees, raising it to 78 could help you save 9% on your cooling costs.
Of course, you don’t want to make yourself too uncomfortable. A good rule of thumb is to set your thermostat to the highest temperature that you can tolerate. You can always use fans to help cool things down if you need to.
2. Use Fans to Circulate Air Flow
Speaking of fans, another way to lower your cooling bill in the summer is to use fans to circulate airflow and keep things cool. Ceiling fans are especially effective. A ceiling fan not only provides air circulation, but if your fan is strong enough, it can cycle and push air throughout your entire home, lowering the temperature in your home overall.
3. Update Air Filters Monthly
Updating air filters monthly will help your AC unit run more efficiently. Dirty filters affect good airflow. The small mesh through which air passes becomes denser as the filter captures more and more of your home’s natural particulate pollution — dust, mold and fungus spores, pet hair, fabric fibers, and so on. This clogging will result in less airflow and poor performance. It can even lead to equipment malfunction.
4. Plant Shade Trees
Planting trees can help eliminate sun exposure and cool down your house. Vegetation, such as trees and other plants, helps to cool the area, making it a simple and effective solution to eliminate urban heat islands. Planting deciduous trees or vines to the west is most beneficial for cooling a structure, especially if they shade windows and part of the roof.
5. Use Energy-Saving Appliances
Use energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, and light bulbs to lower your overall energy usage and reduce your monthly cooling costs. Because lower electricity consumption necessitates less energy generation from fossil fuel-fired power plants, energy-efficient appliances and equipment help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Sign Up for an Energy Audit
An energy audit is a survey and analysis of energy flow in a home or facility. The goal of an energy audit is to find where energy use can be reduced. It could involve a procedure or system that reduces the quantity of energy input without compromising the result.
A residential energy audit or a company energy audit will be performed by a registered energy advisor or energy auditor. Energy auditors are also in charge of conducting energy efficiency studies on business and non-commercial buildings.
By following these tips, you can keep your cooling costs down this summer and save money on your energy bills. A Clearway Community Solar subscription is a great way to further lower your costs by offsetting the price of power from your utility company.
Other Frequently Asked Questions About Saving Money on AC and Lowering Cooling Bills
Everyone wants to save money on their AC during the summer months while still keeping the temperature in the home cool. What is the best way to save money and keep your home cool?
Is it Cheaper to Keep the AC on All Day?
Leaving your air conditioner on all day might seem like the best way to keep your home cool, but it’s actually not very efficient. Your AC works best when it cycles on and off throughout the day. If you leave it on all the time, your AC will have to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature, which can end up costing you more money.
Is it Cheaper to Cut the AC On and Off or to Leave it On?
Cutting your air conditioner on and off throughout the day might seem like it would save you money, but it’s actually not very efficient. Temperature settings that are too low can cause your AC to cycle on and off more frequently, which can end up costing you more money. Cutting the AC on and off will also cause your AC to work harder, which can shorten its lifespan.
Does Putting Your AC on Auto Save Money?
Putting your air conditioner on auto can help you save money on your energy bill. When you put your AC on auto, the fan will only turn on when the compressor is running. This can help you save money because it prevents the fan from running unnecessarily. In addition, putting your AC on auto can help extend the life of your AC unit. The less your AC unit has to work, the longer it will last.
Using a programmable thermostat to set your AC to turn on and off at specific times throughout the day is the most ideal option. A smart thermostat that learns your preferences can be even better. This way, your AC will only be running when you need it, which can help you save money on your energy bill while keeping indoor temperatures as cool as you like them.
Following these six steps can help you lower your cooling costs this summer. Clearway Community Solar helps individuals harness clean energy solutions to create a sustainable energy future. Keeping your cooling costs down is a step in the right direction.
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