Summer Cool Down: Lower your Home’s Temperature without Increasing your Power Bill
Pam Gebhardt & Leslie Tomasini ,
We are now approaching the high temperature days of the summer! With temperatures steadily reaching 90 degrees, everyone’s air conditioning unit is about to get a workout. To help you save energy (and money) during the months of July and August, I have included my favorite tips on keeping your home cool without increasing your power bill.
A/C Maintenance: Filters should be changed 4x a year to lower energy consumption. And to ensure your unit is working efficiently, have it maintained by a certified professional 2x a year.
Programmable Thermostat: One of the best ways to reduce energy costs is to raise the thermostat when you are away from the home. With smart technology, this has become even easier to do with programmable thermostats that can be managed straight from your phone.
Ceiling Fans: A fan can make a room feel about 4 degrees cooler – allowing you to set your thermostat higher. Just remember to turn fans off when leaving a room, as they only cool people (not rooms).
Window Coverings: Up to 30% of unwanted heat may be entering through your home’s windows. But by installing curtains/blinds and drawing them closed during hot summer days the overall temperature of your home can be reduced drastically (especially for windows that face south or west). For extra protections, consider installing black-out curtains.
Low-Heat Cooking: Using your stove or oven when your home is already fighting high outdoor temperatures will only cause your air conditioner to work harder. Plan to use your outdoor grill on hot days, cook meats in your crockpot, or meal plan in advance so the oven is being used a few times a week rather than every day.
A/C Maintenance: Filters should be changed 4x a year to lower energy consumption. And to ensure your unit is working efficiently, have it maintained by a certified professional 2x a year.
Programmable Thermostat: One of the best ways to reduce energy costs is to raise the thermostat when you are away from the home. With smart technology, this has become even easier to do with programmable thermostats that can be managed straight from your phone.
Ceiling Fans: A fan can make a room feel about 4 degrees cooler – allowing you to set your thermostat higher. Just remember to turn fans off when leaving a room, as they only cool people (not rooms).
Window Coverings: Up to 30% of unwanted heat may be entering through your home’s windows. But by installing curtains/blinds and drawing them closed during hot summer days the overall temperature of your home can be reduced drastically (especially for windows that face south or west). For extra protections, consider installing black-out curtains.
Low-Heat Cooking: Using your stove or oven when your home is already fighting high outdoor temperatures will only cause your air conditioner to work harder. Plan to use your outdoor grill on hot days, cook meats in your crockpot, or meal plan in advance so the oven is being used a few times a week rather than every day.
Garden Conservation: And you can also incorporate money-saving tips to your garden! Simply follow a watering-wise garden routine to ensure your plants get the best nourishment with the least amount of water.
Looking for more ideas? Visit Energy.gov for a detailed list of ways to reduce your energy costs during the warm summer months.
Looking for more ideas? Visit Energy.gov for a detailed list of ways to reduce your energy costs during the warm summer months.
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