Warmer weather is almost here, and that means that you may begin to run the air conditioner in your home. In turn, this will cause your energy bill to increase as the temperatures do. However, there are a few things you can do to keep your cooling bill as low as possible during the summer months.
Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced Before Warm Weather Hits
It is highly recommended that you have your air conditioning unit serviced by an air conditioning contractor in the spring, before warm weather hits. Servicing the unit helps its lifespan and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns. However, servicing the unit can also help to decrease your cooling bill this summer. When an air conditioner is serviced, it runs efficiently. It can cool as it should, which helps ensure it is not running longer than it needs to to do its job.
In addition to having the unit serviced, take the time to replace all of the filters blocking the vents in your home. A dirty filter can prevent air from flowing into your space as it should, which can decrease the efficiency of your cooling unit. This also helps to keep the air you are breathing in your home as clean as possible.
Use Window Coverings to Keep Your Home Cooler
Another way to decrease your cooling bill this summer is to use window coverings. Window coverings include things such as blinds, curtains or shutters. If you are in a pinch, you can even place tin foil over the windows, though then you would drastically decrease the amount of natural sunlight coming into your home. Drapes, shades and other window coverings can help keep out UV rays and light that can increase the temperature in your home. The amount of energy savings will vary, based on many factors, such as the type of shade. However, using any kind of covering will offer more protection than none at all.
Increase Your Thermostat By a Few Degrees to Decrease Your Bill
Most people will not notice the temperature in their home being two or three degrees higher than they normally set it at. However, what you will notice is the decrease in your cooling bill. Once again, the amount you will save varies on many factors, such as the size of your home and how well insulated it is. But it will amount to some savings and a decrease in your energy usage. Additionally, consider using a pre-set thermostat that allows for a much higher temperature during the day when you are at work, yet is set to cool your home about the time you or your family arrive each afternoon or evening. Not having your air conditioner run in the daytime can result in a significant decrease in your energy usage, and thus, your cooling bill.
Avoid Using Your Dryer or Oven During the Hottest Parts of the Day
The last tip for lowering your cooling bill is to avoid using the dryer or oven in your home during the hottest parts of the day. These devices heat up your home, which in turn, can cause your air conditioner to have to kick on and cool your home even more so than it already needs to. When possible, use your dryer late at night or in the mornings and pre-cook your meals. It is also important to note that some energy companies do charge you more to use energy during peak times of the day. Not using your dryer or oven during these peak times will also help you save money on your energy bill for this reason as well.
When the temperatures begin to increase, your energy bill may also increase. However, there are things you can do to keep your bill as low as possible while still running your air conditioner to cool your home. Having your air conditioner serviced by a company like Controlled Comfort prior to the hot summer months, using window covers, increasing the temperature inside your home by a couple of degrees and avoiding using your dryer or oven during the hottest parts of the day will help you save on your energy bill.
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