Summer Expenses: How to Save Money Monthly on Your AC Bill
Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 6:00 PM | Leave Comment
During the summertime, air conditioning could be one of your biggest expenses. Fortunately, there are ways to lower your energy costs without sacrificing your comfort.
These four tips will help you to manage your air conditioning costs while enjoying the comforts of home.
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Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is an easy way to lower your monthly air conditioning costs.
If you are comfortable with an indoor temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit while at home, program the thermostat to increase the temperature to 78 to 80 degrees while you are gone to work.
Some companies, like A-1 American Services, know that this can reduce the number of cooling cycles performed by the cooling equipment, thereby lowering your energy usage.
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Consider Alternative Cooking Methods
If you typically cook meals in the oven, consider other options. The oven generates a lot of heat.
Try using a slow cooker, which uses much less energy and contains the heat within the crock.
A microwave is another efficient option that does not release heat into your home’s living space.
Grilling on your outdoor gas or charcoal grill is another way to cook.
Try meals that can be eaten cold, such as fruit salads, vegetables with hummus, sandwiches or wraps.
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Employ a Ceiling Fan
Although a ceiling fan does not cool the air, it does move air around the room. By creating a windchill effect on your skin, a ceiling fan helps you to feel cooler.
You could set the thermostat up two or three degrees while using the ceiling fan.
If your ceiling fan has incandescent light bulbs, replace them with LEDs.
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Operate Heat-generating Appliances Overnight
Try to minimize the use of heat-generating appliances during the summertime.
If possible, use a clothes rack or clothesline instead of the dryer.
When you do need to use the clothes dryer, cycle it at night when the air conditioner does not run as frequently.
Set the dishwasher to run overnight. Nighttime electrical rates are often lower, and the heat generated by these appliances will not make as big of an impact on the temperature within your home.
If your air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with a more efficient unit with a high seasonal energy efficiency ratio rating.
It is also important to arrange for a tune-up to keep the unit operating as efficiently as possible.
You can also use these four tips to further lower the costs of keeping your home cool during the hottest months of the year.
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Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter and Facebook.
