Simple Tricks for Keeping Your Family Cool Without Overspending
Summers can hit that financial budget hard, but staying on target is not impossible. Staying cool doesn’t have to be a problem this year. While you may not be able to save money on all of your summer events, you can use these helpful tips to keep your electrical bill down and make your home comfortable for your family.
Avoid Turning off Your Thermostat
While you might think that turning off the AC is a good idea, it’s not. Turning off the AC system allows humidity to accumulate in your home. When you return home and turn the AC system back on, it will have to work harder to get the moisture out and bring the temperature down. Turning off the AC will only make you feel uncomfortable and won’t help lower the utility bill cost.
In some cases, a shut-down thermostat may cause even worse problems. It could lead to mold growth, so keep your thermostat on, but choose the right temperature to set it at.
Choose the Right Temperature
Adjusting the thermostat’s temperature to a comfortable level can help your air conditioner work less. It can also put less stress on your AC system, making it last longer. So, every degree you raise the thermostat, you can save a small percentage of money on the utility bill. And in doing this, your system will use less energy and remain at a higher temperature but keep the humidity level low and within healthy levels. Even so, we recommend that you set your thermostat no more than 5 degrees higher than normal.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Everyone loves high-tech gadgets, and now you can use one for your thermostat. Consider using a programmable thermostat that you can set from your smartphone and raise the temperature while you’re gone. An added benefit is that you can lower the temperature an hour or two before returning home so it’s cool and comfortable for your family.
Know Which Appliances Generate Heat
Keep in mind that some of your appliances may produce a lot of heat. Minimize dryer usage and avoid taking hot showers for too long. Refrain from using the oven too often and try to use the microwave instead. Alternatively, you can cook something quickly on the stove. You can even make this into a fun summer activity by grilling outside or eating something cold.
Add Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans don’t take a lot of energy to use and can help circulate cool air throughout your home. Use ceiling fans to keep air flowing, so you don’t have to turn down the thermostat as often.
It is important to remember that the blades of the fan need to be spinning counterclockwise. There should be a switch on the fan to change the direction.
Keep Blinds Closed
Close your blinds when you’re away from your home to keep the house shielded from solar heat. Sunlight makes your AC work harder than it has to. Some window coverings will be able to block out the sun more effectively than others.
Open Windows on Cool Nights
When the humidity isn’t too bad and the air is cooler, turn off the thermostat and open some windows. Allow the fresh air to circulate through the house. Close the windows again in the early morning to keep the cool night air inside. On days like these, the AC system doesn’t have to work too hard to cool the house again.
Plant Trees Near Windows
Plant trees and keep your AC system from working too hard. Shade trees offer a way to keep the sun rays away from home. Use shade trees that have large branches and leaves next to windows to keep sunlight out. Shade trees also decrease the heat absorption of the house and prevent the air conditioner from working too hard.
Perform Regular AC Maintenance
Finally, we always recommend that you have your air conditioner maintained before the summer heat begins. Regular maintenance keeps your utility bills lower and your AC system working efficiently. It also prevents sudden breakdowns and inefficient cooling.
By utilizing the tips above, you will be able to keep your home cool while minimizing costs in the process. Take some time to determine which tips will yield the best results for you and your family.
