1 May 2022
As the sun shines more and homeowners crave the outdoor air, they know that warmer days are ahead!
It is a great time to start thinking about summer and keeping costs down for running air conditioners while still staying cool and comfortable.
Ways to Lower AC Costs
- Bump it up a little: While a few degrees may not impact the feel of indoor air, they can impact utility bills. Find the optimal temperature that balances comfort and cost. Test out a wide range of temperatures for a few days to see how high homeowners can bump up their thermostats while still enjoying a cool home. Believe it or not, 6 degrees can cost as much as 18 percent more. If homeowners use a programmable thermostat, they can have it higher when they are at work or at night when the sun goes down for more savings.
- Circulate that cool air: When homeowners are relaxing in a room with a ceiling fan, turn it on to help move along the cool air that homeowners' AC is providing to help with comfort. Just make sure to turn off any fans when not in use to avoid spending more money on running the fans.
- Different activities for different times of day: If homeowners can avoid running appliances that generate heat, they can help keep the home cooler during the day. Cranking up the oven during midday will cause AC to run more and so can the dishwasher or dryer, especially if it is on the main level of the home.
- Shut blinds: A strong midday sun may be good for lighting up a home during the day, but it will also cause the temperature to go up. Close blinds and curtains in rooms that are not in use to help keep the strong sunshine out and coolness in.
- Keep system maintained: A yearly maintenance strategy will help keep the AC unit running at its best to help keep costs down too. Make sure to not block vents throughout the home and that homeowners consistently change their air filters on a regular plan.
- Home improvements: If homeowners have been considering some home improvement projects, this can impact the AC bill. Drafty windows or inefficient insulation can impact how much the warm air gets in and cool air gets out. A home is a whole unit that works together and old parts can impact how other components get their job done.