Just because the summer temperatures are starting to rise doesn’t mean your electricity bill has to skyrocket as well. While running your AC on full blast may seem like an enticing idea, we can assure you that your wallet will not agree. Here are a few tips on how to cut down on your AC costs without breaking a sweat and sacrificing your comfort.
- Bump it up
Setting your AC to a temperature at which only penguins are comfortable is unnecessary; adjusting the temperature up a few degrees will save lots energy. While it may sound a bit high, 24 or 25 degrees Celsius can actually be a comfortable room temperature for most people. Try it for a few days and see how it feels!
- Change it up
Under no circumstances is it necessary to set it and forget it when it comes to the thermostat. Most people will be gone for the majority of the day and only using the AC for a select few hours. Rather than cooling the house for no reason, try adjusting the thermostat as you leave or investing in a programmable system.
- Seal it up
Unless your house is brand new or recently had the windows replaced then chances are your AC is also cooling the neighbourhood. Have a home energy audit done or check for small drafts yourself. Wherever it is possible, add some extra caulking to stop the precious cold air from escaping.
- Close it up
Make sure everyone in the house is on the same page and keeps windows closed. You can also close up air vents in rooms that aren’t being used and draw the curtains closed to prevent the sun from heating things up during the day.
- Clean it up
Make sure to get an annual cleaning of your central system to check for dust build up or inefficiencies that can cause your costs to add up. For smaller stand alone or window units you should also make sure to regularly clean filters to keep everything running as efficiently as possible.
- Don’t heat it up
Avoid any unnecessary heat-producing activities in the house at all costs. This can include using the oven or stovetop, running the dryer or dishwasher. Try cooking outside on a BBQ, air drying clothes or saving these activities for when the sun goes down and the house is naturally a bit cooler.
- Change it up
Rather than always running the AC, try switching to a ceiling or oscillating fan. Just like the wind chill will make you feel colder in the winter, sitting in front of or under a fan can have the same effect. A simple fan can make you feel about 7 degrees cooler than you would otherwise while using a fraction of the electricity.
Hopefully, by using these tips, you’ll be comfortable at home, only breaking a sweat due to the temperatures outside and not after receiving your electricity bill!