In summer, the average American family can spend about 40% of their total energy bill on just the air conditioning of the house alone. You can reduce your monthly bills by following these tips that will help you keep your family cool during the hot summer months.
Do not cool rooms that are not used often. If you have central air conditioning, close the vents in rooms such as bathrooms or guest bedrooms when those rooms are not in use. Be sure to make sure your ductwork is properly sealed and insulate vents that are in the basement or attic, as these areas of the house don't need cooling. Another option is to purchase a portable or window air conditioning unit to cool one large room or area of the house at a time, without spending the energy to cool rooms that are not in use. Modern portable air conditioners are efficient and quiet. They have the ability to cool down a room quickly while saving you money on your electricity bills. Be certain that the unit you buy is the proper size for the room it is cooling. One that is too small won't be able to cool the room completely without constantly being on, while one that is too big will consume more energy than is required.
Use blinds or shades on your windows to block the heat of the direct sunlight. You can use shutters on the outside of your house to block the heat further. Keep your windows closed during the day to keep cool air in and the hot air out. At night, if it's cool outside, you can turn off the air conditioner, open your windows and turn on a fan for ventilation.
Make sure you replace the air filter in your air conditioning unit at least once a month for maximum efficiency and airflow. Dust or pet hair will eventually build up and block the cool air from traveling through the ducts, making the unit run longer and costing you excess money.
Using the oven, dishwasher and clothes dryer generate heat. If possible, try to delay using these appliances until evening when the weather gets a little cooler. If possible, use your microwave for cooking or fire up the barbeque and do some grilling outside. If you have to cook on the stove, use your exhaust fan and cover pots to keep the heat from traveling throughout your house.
If your air conditioner is more than 15 years old, you may want to invest in a modern unit. Today's air conditioners are built for high efficiency and are optimized for using less energy. Modern cooling systems can use up to 50% less energy as their older counterparts.
Being smart about how you cool your house will not only save you money, but will have a friendly impact on the environment as well. This summer, follow these helpful suggestions for a comfortable and more efficient home.
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