This summer may be one of our warmest ones yet. Blasting the air conditioning, opening all your windows, and plugging in fans at full blast may provide some temporary comfort but may end up hurting your wallet with high energy bills while at the same time being harmful to the environment. Here are few tips on how to stay cool without overheating your wallet.
Be smart with your air conditioning and thermostat:
– If you have a programmable thermostat set it to 85ºF when you are away from home and try to keep it 78ºF or higher when you are home. You will save about 1 – 3 percent per degree for each degree that it is above 72ºF.
– Make sure your air conditioning is up to date with service, especially updated air filters. Dirty filters restrict air flow and will increase energy use.
Use ceiling fans to cool your home:
– Combining a ceiling fan with your air conditioning will allow you to raise the thermostat by 4º without a reduction in comfort.
– Turn off your ceiling fans when you leave the room– fans cool people not rooms
Pay attention to your windows:
– Windows are one of the largest sources of heat gain. Block the sun by pulling shades and blinds down during the day – your air conditioner will not have to work as hard.
– If it is cooler at night, turn off your a/c and open the windows to naturally vent out warm air. Close the windows as soon as you wake up to capture the cooler air in your home.
– Make sure you check for any leaks in and around your windows.
Decrease appliance use:
– On hot days try to avoid using the oven or stove. Instead use the microwave or go outside and grill!
– Only wash full loads of laundry, and use cold water. Make sure you use your washer and dryer after peak hours. Line-dry if you can.
– Using the dishwasher actually uses less water than washing them by hand. Wash a full load after peak hours and air dry.
– Take shorter and cooler showers to avoid adding extra heat to your home.
– Turn off and unplug appliances when not in use to avoid using “leaked electricity” that can add up and to also prevent adding extra heat. (game consoles, laptops, dvd players, musical instruments, stereos, hair dryers, chargers when not in use, etc.)
– Switch to energy efficient light bulbs and turn off the lights when you are not using them.
– Keep your fridge stocked. A full fridge keeps it from warming up when the door is open.
Follow these tips in order to keep cool and save money and energy. Do you have any energy saving tips for the summer?
By: Columbia Roofing