Save Money on Air Conditioning Costs This Summer
Tuesday June 23, 2009
Summer is here, and with the warm weather brings increased cooling costs. While there are a number of different ways you can save money during the summer months, the air conditioner tends to be the biggest energy hog. Any appliance that uses electricity to alter temperature is generally inefficient by nature. This includes heaters, hot water heaters, refrigerators, and so on. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to help maximize your air conditioning efficiency.
- Perform regular maintenance on your air conditioning unit. Replace the filter monthly during the cooling season and have a professional service your system at the beginning of each cooling season.
- If you have a central air unit, make sure the condenser is located in a shady spot and has room to dispose of the heated air it removes from your house. Don't crowd it with shrubs or anything else.
- Install a programmable thermostat so you can vary the temperature according to when you're home. Set it for a lower temperature when you're home. If you'll be gone for more than a few hours, it makes sense to set the air conditioning at a higher temperature while you're gone.
- Close drapes or shades on the sunny side of your house. The sun has intense warming effects, and when it is allowed to enter a window without the heat being able to escape, it will act like a greenhouse. Keep as much direct sunlight out as possible to keep your home a few degrees cooler.
- Seal up air leaks in your house. Just like how the cold air can find its way into your house in the winter, the hot air does the same thing during the summer. Caulk or seal places where utilities come into your home (plumbing, electricity, dryer vents, etc.). Fill gaps around chimneys and weatherstrip around drafty windows and doors.
- Utilize fans as much as possible. If the temperature is just slightly uncomfortable, consider using an oscillating fan, or ceiling fan if you have one. Just a slight breeze or circulation caused by fans can make it feel a few degrees cooler.
- Turn off the lights when not in use. If you have standard incandescent bulbs, they generate a good deal of heat. Having lights on when not necessary just increased the temperature in the house. Consider switching to CFL bulbs, which run cool, and also consume less electricity.
These are just a few of many different ways you can cut down on your cooling costs this summer. If you have some other ideas that work for you, feel free to share your tips by leaving a comment.
Comments
Your statement “just the way cold air finds its way into you house in the winter” is not correct.
Cold air is static and does not move. In the winter heat is trying to escape out of your house. In other words heat is always trying to move to where it is cold.
If you open your frig cold air is not coming out but the heat is trying to get in.
Anyone have any ideas on keeping a newly constructed 2 story home in the California desert cool? The AC thermostate is upstairs right outside of the Master Bedroom and I keep it on 82-83 and it runs constantly. We unplug things, close doors to rooms not being used, use ceiling fans and floor fans in the rooms, and my newest electric bill was $593.00. SCE has looked at the meter and says it’s fine, I was thinking awnings? Or a swamp cooler system?
check the air filter first most need changed everyother month also check insulation in attic and walls. If both are ok it may be that the a/c unit is too small for the house have it looked at by a pro. also have them look at placement of return and supply ducts. New home builders sometimes cut corners by installing smaller equipment and not installing enough ducts both supply and return. The a/c should cycle on and off even when it’s 90 outside and you set stat at 75.
Swamp coolers are well worth the money. I live near palm springs which is plenty hot. there will be some times you can’t use due to humidity but most of the spring/summer/early fall will be able to use. Through the wall is more efficient in my opinion than ducted but both are available.