As the temperature starts to climb, you might have noticed those electric bills creeping up too and you may be wondering how to save on electric bills. Air conditioning can be a real energy guzzler, especially during the scorching summer months. But, you don’t need to worry – there are plenty of ways to keep your cool without emptying your wallet. We’ll dive into some practical tips to help you save money on AC costs while still staying nice and comfortable. From simple thermostat tweaks to clever smart home upgrades, these strategies will help you slash your energy usage and bring down those summer utility bills.
Wondering How to Save on Electric Bills?
You may be looking at your bills and wondering how to save on electric bills this summer. Well, it all starts with being smart about your thermostat settings. When you’re at home and awake, set that AC to a cool 78°F. But when you’re catching some Z’s or out and about, crank it up by 7-10 degrees. It may sound like a small change, but it can make a big difference in your savings. Preparing your house for efficient cooling is another way that we will go over to help save on your electricity bills during the summer.
Additionally, regularly swapping out those air filters, scheduling an annual tune-up, and clearing any debris around the outdoor unit can boost your efficiency by a whopping 15%. That’s some serious savings right there! These are just some of the ways you can save on your electric bills, below are more methods on how to save on your electric bills in the hot summer months.
Find Your Sweet Spot on the Thermostat
One of the simplest ways to save money on AC is by being smart about your thermostat settings:
- Set your thermostat to around 78°F when you’re at home and awake. This temperature strikes a balance between comfort and energy efficiency for most folks. Every degree you go below 78°F can hike up your cooling costs by 6-8%.
- Raise the temperature when you’re asleep or out of the house. Program your thermostat to be around 7-10 degrees higher during these times. By doing this, you can save up to 10% on your annual heating and cooling expenses.
- Consider using a programmable or smart thermostat. These nifty devices make it a breeze to automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day. Some smart thermostats even learn your habits and optimize settings for you.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes. Don’t crank up the AC to its maximum when you get home to a warm house. It won’t cool things down any faster and will only waste energy. Instead, set it to your usual temperature and let it work its magic steadily.
Get Your Home Cooling-Ready
If you want to give your AC a break and keep your home cool, here are a few tips to make it more efficient:
Strategically use fans: Ceiling fans and portable fans can create a cool breeze that makes you feel comfortable without actually lowering the air temperature. This means you can set your thermostat about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort.
Block out the sun: Close your blinds and curtains during the day, especially on windows facing south and west. This simple step can reduce heat gain by up to 33%.
Seal those air leaks: Take a look around your windows, doors, and any other openings for gaps. Use caulk or weatherstripping to keep cool air in and hot air out.
Improve insulation: Proper insulation in your walls, attic, and floors helps maintain a consistent indoor temperature. This takes the load off your AC system.
Keep Your AC in Top Shape
A well-maintained air conditioner saves you money and performs better:
Regularly change air filters: Dirty filters restrict airflow, making your AC work harder. Clean or replace them monthly, especially during heavy use periods.
Schedule annual tune-ups: Professional maintenance can boost efficiency by up to 15% and prevent costly breakdowns.
Clear the outdoor unit: Make sure there’s no debris or overgrown vegetation around your AC’s outdoor component to ensure proper airflow.
Keep vents and registers clean: Regularly vacuum these openings to remove dust and maintain healthy airflow throughout your home.
Upgrade Wisely
Investing in energy-efficient equipment can lead to long-term savings:
Consider a new AC unit: If your system is over 10 years old, upgrading to a more efficient model could slash your cooling costs by 20-40%.
Install a whole-house fan: These fans work wonders in quickly cooling your home in the evening, reducing the need for excessive AC use.
Get energy-efficient window treatments: Cellular shades, reflective blinds, and other specialized coverings can significantly reduce heat gain.
Embrace smart home technology: Smart power strips and Wi-Fi enabled AC controllers can help you manage energy use more effectively.
Adjust Your Habits
Simple changes in your daily routine can make a big difference:
Use heat-generating appliances wisely: On hot days, cook outdoors, use the microwave, or opt for meals that require no cooking to avoid adding extra heat to your home.
Take advantage of cooler hours: Open your windows at night and in the early morning to let in cool air, and close them before the day heats up.
Dress for the weather: Wear light, breathable clothing indoors to stay comfortable even at slightly higher temperatures.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your body regulate temperature more effectively, reducing the need for excessive cooling.
Track Your Progress
Keep an eye on your energy usage to see the impact of these changes on your bills:
Review your monthly electric bills: Compare your usage to the same month in previous years to see how far you’ve come.
Use your utility company’s tools: Many providers offer online dashboards or apps to track your daily energy consumption.
Consider a home energy audit: Professional auditors can help identify additional ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
By following these strategies on how to save on electric bills, you can save money on AC costs without sacrificing comfort. Remember, even small adjustments can lead to significant savings over time. Stay cool and keep more cash in your pocket this summer!
Contact us today and one of our Professional Technicians can help you with your home and business cooling needs.
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