You may be thankful for your air conditioning when the temperatures skyrocket during the summer, but you may also be less than thrilled when your electricity bill comes. Keeping your home climate-controlled can account for at least half of your energy bill, costing a small fortune each month. As the days get hotter, your energy bill can get out of control. Here are 5 tips to help minimize your energy costs while still enjoying the benefits of A/C.
- Close your shades during the day. Use your window treatments to reduce sunshine and heat in your home by closing drapes or blinds in the morning.
- Use a programmable thermostat. If you have a programmable thermostat, use it. If you don’t have one, this is a good investment. Program your A/C for higher temps when you are away from home or during the night when you are sleeping.
- Invest in outdoor shade. Shading your home can have a big impact on your inside temps. Planting trees to shade from the afternoon sun can help reduce cooling costs. Outdoor awnings that shade windows and your A/C unit are also good investments.
- Schedule regular maintenance. Keeping your A/C unit in top condition can help reduce energy costs while preventing breakdowns. Schedule regular service at least twice a year.
- Use fans. Even with A/C, fans can offer a cooling effect as they circulate the air and the movement cools your skin. You can set the A/C temp higher while still enjoying a cooler home.
If you have an older A/C unit, this can also contribute to higher energy costs. You may want to consider investing in a newer, more energy efficient unit that could pay for itself with lower electricity costs.
Posted on behalf of:
ClimateSmith, LLC
Alpharetta, GA
(770) 475-9555
