Do you dread the summer months when your electricity bills skyrocket due to running the air conditioning? Many of us are looking for how to save money on air conditioning while still keeping our homes cool and comfortable.
Fortunately, there are a few simple tips that can help you reduce your energy costs without sacrificing comfort. In this blog post, we will share with you seven great ideas for how to save money on ac so that you can stay cool while also saving some cash!
Ways To Stay Cool and Comfortable Without Breaking The Bank
From using a programmable thermostat to investing in energy-efficient window treatments, we've got all the tips you need to keep your home cool while saving some cash.
Here are 7 ways how to save money on air conditioning:
1. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the best ways to save money on air conditioning. This device allows you to set a schedule for your AC and adjust the temperature according to when you're typically at home or away.
With a programmable thermostat, you can avoid wasting energy cooling your home when no one is there, and instead have it only run when needed.
You can also keep the temperature higher during the day when fewer people are at home and lower it during the evening hours for maximum comfort.
2. Change the Direction of Ceiling Fans
Changing your ceiling fan direction seasonally is a simple way to SAVE YEAR-ROUND. The ceiling fan direction in summer should be counterclockwise to help create a downdraft, which creates that direct, cooling breeze. [source]
Additionally, it's important to make sure that the blades are at least seven feet off the ground in order for them to be most effective. For an even more efficient cooling solution, you can invest in a "smart" ceiling fan with adjustable settings that can be controlled remotely via an app or voice commands.
Best Temperature For AC To Save Money
To stay comfortable and save money this summer, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you are home. Setting your air conditioner to this level will allow you to stay cool and avoid an unusually high electricity bill. [source]
3. Keep Doors and Windows Closed
Keeping your doors and windows closed during the summer months can be an easy way to save money on air conditioning. By keeping cool air inside your home, you can avoid having to constantly run the AC to keep up with the warm temperatures outside.
You can even invest in security sensors that let you know when a door or window has been left open.
4. Use Window Treatments to Block Sunlight
Window treatments are a great way to block out sunlight, and can help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.
About 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows. In cooling seasons, about 76% of sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows enters to become heat. Window coverings can help with this loss of energy by providing comfort, regulating temperatures, and lowering energy bills. [source]
In addition to curtains and blinds, you can also consider investing in sun-blocking shades or shutters, as these will provide even more coverage against direct sunlight.
Solar screens are another great option, as they are designed to reflect away the sun’s rays and keep rooms cooler.
Additionally, if you have skylights in your home, applying a window film to them can help reduce the amount of UV light that penetrates into your house. All of these solutions can help keep interior temperatures more comfortable without having to run your AC as often.
5. Clean or Replace Filters Regularly
Regularly cleaning or replacing air conditioning filters is an important part of maintaining an efficient, cost-effective cooling system.
Dirty or clogged filters can reduce airflow and efficiency, causing the AC to work harder to cool your home. This will result in higher energy bills as well as reduced comfort levels due to poor air circulation.
It’s recommended to check and clean your filters at least once a month during the summer months in order to maximize efficiency and ensure that you’re getting the best performance from your AC.
If you have disposable filters, you should replace them at least every three months; however, if you use permanent washable filters, they can be cleaned and reused.
Additionally, investing in a high-efficiency filter can help improve performance even further while also helping reduce allergy symptoms for those with allergies or asthma.
For questions about your filters - contact Dutch for a quick service call!
6. Seal Air Leaks Around Your Home
Sealing air leaks around your home is another important step in reducing air conditioning costs. Not only does sealing air gaps reduce the amount of cool air that escapes, it also prevents hot outside air from entering your home.
This can help reduce the amount of work that your AC has to do to keep temperatures comfortable, resulting in lower energy bills and longer unit life.
When looking for areas to seal, be sure to check windows, doors, dryer vents, plumbing fixtures, and any other entry points where air can escape or come in.
Weatherstripping and caulk are two great materials for sealing up these openings and ensuring maximum efficiency from your AC system. Additionally, you should also consider investing in some insulation for your home as well – not only will this help keep temperatures more consistent throughout the house, but it can also save money on heating costs during the winter months!
How Insulation Can Help Lower Your AC Bills
Insulation is an important part of any home's energy efficiency, and it can have a major impact on your AC bills. Proper insulation helps keep the cool air produced by your air conditioning system inside the home, instead of allowing it to escape through walls or roofs.
This helps reduce the amount of energy needed to maintain a comfortable temperature, and ultimately lowers your AC bills.
In order to take advantage of all the benefits insulation offers, you'll want to make sure that you have the right R-value for your climate. A higher R-value indicates better insulation performance in colder climates while a lower R-value is sufficient for warmer areas.
7. Install a state-of-the art cooling system
Installing a state-of-the art cooling system is a great way to save money on air conditioning in the long run. Not only will it be more cost-effective than an older or outdated model, but it will also be designed with the latest technology and energy-saving features.
Modern cooling systems are designed with maximum efficiency in mind, from inverter technology that helps maintain temperatures without consuming too much power to advanced air filters that help remove contaminants and dust particles from the air.
They also come with features such as smart thermostats that can be controlled from a smartphone or voice commands, zone control systems so you can adjust temperatures in different rooms, and even noise reduction capabilities for quieter operation.
Investing in one of these systems is a great way when looking at how to save money on air conditioning costs while also ensuring your home stays comfortable all year round.
For a FREE QUOTE on a new Carrer HVAC for your home - Contact Dutch today!
Recap: How To Save Money On Air Conditioning
By following the tips we’ve outlined in this article, you know how to save money on air conditioning while also ensuring your home stays comfortable all year round.
From leveraging ceiling fans to keep cool air circulating indoors to installing a state-of-the art cooling system with advanced energy-saving features, there are plenty of ways that you can reduce AC costs without sacrificing comfort.
Additionally, it's important to be mindful about keeping doors and windows closed during hot months as well as regularly cleaning or replacing filters for maximum efficiency.
If you follow these simple steps, you'll soon see your electricity bills decreasing – and who wouldn't want that? So if saving money on air conditioning is something that interests you, take action today!
For air conditioning assistance in Southeast Missouri - call Dutch!
