We all know that electricity bills tend to increase during the warmer months due to increased use in HVAC air conditioners and electric fans. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that the average summer electric bill amounted to $405!
The good news is that you can keep your house cool during the summer without paying through the nose afterward, if you follow a few tips.
It doesn’t even take much effort to reduce your electric bills and we’re going to show you how to do so without compromising your quality of life in the process.
Keep reading to learn more!
“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Turn Off AC When You Don’t Need It
The first thing you learn when searching how to cut down on electric bills is to switch your AC off at bedtime or before you leave your house.
On average, the thermostat should be set to about 78 degrees F or higher because that could save you 4% to 8% in electric bills by the end of the season, which is already a lot.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
Another way to save on electric costs during the summer is to program your thermostat based on your schedule.
That way, the thermostat will automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not at home to avoid needless energy use, but it will automatically establish a comfortable temperature before you get back from work – so you don't have to sacrifice quality of life to save energy. All you have to do is program properly!
Buy ENERGY STAR Appliances
The ENERGY STAR standard was created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a way to award companies whose products meet their strict energy-efficient standards, designed to help reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions.
That’s why it’s recommended to use an air conditioner and other appliances that have this rating to lower your utility bills, not only during summer, but throughout the year.
Get Rid Of Air Leakage
Air leakage is a scenario where air leaks out of your house throughout various openings and cracks that you may not be aware of.
Because these cracks are so small, they’re difficult to spot and can significantly increase your summer energy bills.
To avoid this, all you have to do is use weather stripping and caulking to close air leaking cracks, which are usually around window and door frames.
Clean the AC Vents
Make sure that your air conditioner is working optimally by cleaning it regularly.
It’s especially important to keep an eye on things like fins, coils, and filters to keep your air conditioner clean so that it works effectively. Dirty and blocked filters can compromise its ability to circulate air properly as well as the ability to evaporate air.
That’s why it’s recommended to replace the HVAC filter as soon as it gets dirty or clogged to prevent it from using excess energy to produce the same results.
Turn On the Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans are a popular and great alternative to air conditioners and for good reason. They have been shown to reduce room temperature by up to 4 degrees in a very short amount of time so that your thermostat doesn’t have to change its settings as much.
Depending on where you live, you can even turn off your air conditioner altogether just with the use of ceiling fans.
Try Natural Ventilation
If the temperature naturally cools down in your area during the evenings, then you should take advantage of these climatic changes by switching off your AC at night and instead open your windows to let in the cool air.
Use Blinds and Drapes to Block the Sun
The great thing about window treatments is that they’re not just designed to beautify your home, they can also help by lowering your energy bills during warm months.
By blocking the sun, blinds have been shown to reduce the accumulation of heat in a room by up to 45% while window drapes can reduce heat by up to 33%, which is a great way to keep your house cool effortlessly.
Now that you know how to save on your electric bills, you’re all set to enjoy a relaxing and stress-free season with all the best it has to offer.
Is your AC skyrocketing your electric bills? Then contact a local technician to do some HVAC maintenance or consider replacing it for a more efficient model!
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