The last thing you want to do during the hot summer months is to spend more money than you need to on your energy bills. But by following a few simple tips, you can easily save energy and sweet $$.
Here are 10 great ways to get started:
1. Educate yourself and your family about conserving energy. It can be something as little as turning off the lights when you leave a room or taking shorter showers. The more everyone in your household is on board, the easier it will be to save.
2. Get a programmable thermostat. You can save a significant amount of money by setting your thermostat just a few degrees higher in the summer months. If your home is going to be empty for more than a few hours, turn it up even higher.
3. Take advantage of natural ventilation by opening your windows and doors when the weather permits. Not only will this save you energy, but it will also help keep your home cooler and fresher smelling. Just make sure it isn’t too humid outside, or you’ll be inviting mold and mildew into your home.
4. Close shades, curtains, and blinds during the daytime to help keep out the sun’s heat. This can make a big difference in how cool your home stays.
5. Use ceiling fans to circulate air and help you feel cooler. Ceiling fans are an interesting way to stay cool and save money, because, contrary to what you may think, ceiling fans don’t CREATE cold air. They simply make you FEEL cooler by circulating the air in the room and evaporating the sweat on your skin.
6. Cook outdoors as much as possible. This will not only save you energy, but it will help to keep your home from heating up with all that extra heat from the stove or oven.
7. Change your air filter. A clean air filter will help your air conditioner run more efficiently, saving you money. This is especially important because the air conditioner is working overtime during the sweltering summer months.
8. Seal any cracks or leaks around your doors and windows. This will help to keep the cool air in and the hot air out! A home that isn’t properly “weatherproofed” can leak a lot of cool air, making your air conditioner work harder (and costing you more money).
9. Consider investing in energy-efficient appliances. If your fridge or air conditioner is more than a few years old, it may be time for an upgrade. And especially when it comes to your heating and cooling system, newer models are much more energy-efficient and will help save you money in the long run!
10. Lastly, don’t forget about air conditioner maintenance! According to the Environmental Protection Agency, annual maintenance on your air conditioner can help you “save as much as 20% annually” on your energy bills. Wow!
Follow these 10 tips and you’re sure to save money this summer. Enjoy the warm weather, and don’t let your energy bills cramp your style!
And if you need air conditioner repair or replacement, Raleigh’s resident experts at Weather Master are here! Schedule an appointment online or call now: (919) 853-7910