We’re all waiting for the summer months to come quickly so we can lounge by the pool and have picnics by the beach, but the season also brings substantial spikes in our electricity bills. Using an air conditioner contributes to 12% of all home energy expenses. And with the heat level soaring new heights, we generally have no choice but to continuously run the cooling unit for most hours or all day.
But not to worry, you can keep your cool (quite literally) without inflating the energy bill with these tips and tricks. At the end of the day, knowing how to ventilate your house is important to save big bucks and save the planet. Get started with the following 10 effective tips today!
Turn Off Your Electricity When Not Needed
Let’s start simple. Try switching off your AC while sleeping can lead to big savings. Doing as little as adjusting your thermostat right before leaving your house will reduce the units used. During the summer, make it a point to never keep the thermostat below 78 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. For each degree increase on the thermostat, you can save around 4% - 8% on cooling bills.
Furthermore, when you are in the other room, make sure to unplug all the electronic devices that are not in use. These include laptop and mobile chargers, your TV, and any other small appliance. Don’t overlook these devices, as they can ultimately contribute to a bigger electric bill.
Make Ceiling Fans and Natural Ventilation Your Best Friend
Ceiling fans utilize around 1/60th of the energy that your AC uses, meaning they can save up to 40% on your electricity bill. If the day is especially hot, you can pair your fan with the AC and lower the thermostat. If the weather is cool enough, you can entirely let go of using the AC and instead use a ceiling fan.
In addition to that, take advantage of natural ventilation if you live in an area with cooler breezes. Open the windows and let that natural air ventilate the place. You can use a fan in conjunction with the natural ventilation and completely ditch the air conditioner.
Shut the Doors and Vents
When at home, close conditioner vents and room doors that are not currently in use. This will make your cooling system much more efficient. By saving energy on rooms that no one is in, you maximize your comfort and minimize your energy bill.
Make Use of Curtains, Drapes, and Blinds
Invest in good-quality window coverings, such as blinds, drapes, and curtains. These items not only add aesthetic value to the space but will also efficiently shield your home from heating. Windows protected with coverings prevent direct sunlight from entering and help reducing heat gains by approximately 45%.
Seal Any Leaks or Cracks
During hot summer days, save your precious AC cooling by making sure that nothing leaks out due to leaky windows or cracked doors. If you have any visible leaks or cracks, conceal them using draft tape, which you can easily buy online.
Weather-stripping and caulking are also two effective methods to air-seal any space, such as between doors and windows.
Cut Down Your Water Heating Bill
Water heating is responsible for around 18% of the energy used in a typical home. Reducing the temperature of your water geyser can help you save big bucks. If you live in a region with a warm climate, then completely switching off the heating appliance will do the trick. Because who needs boiling hot water in summers anyway?
Washing machines are another water-hogging device that can inflate your bill. Make sure to smartly plan your laundry days by maximizing your loads, so you have to use the machine less often. You can also switch to cold water laundry and skip the dryer altogether. Hang dry your clothes, and you will be really happy with your next electricity bill.
Switch to LED and Energy Star Appliances
Regular bulbs use around 90% of their energy as heat and are not energy efficient. A better alternative that will save both the environment and your money is LED lights. These bulbs can save you roughly $75 a month and provide minimum to no heat.
Similarly, for home appliances, choose ENERGY STAR products. Energy Star is an award given by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States to a product that meets energy-saving guidelines. If you purchase an air conditioner that is Energy Star certified, you can save up to 15% on your electricity bill.
Use Electricity When the Hours is Off-peak
The part of the day you utilize electricity is critical and something that not a lot of people care about. Energy companies charge extra during hours of the day when demand is the highest (peak hours), usually during early morning or late night. It is best that you avoid using a lot of electricity units during these hours on particularly hot days. On such days, schedule your cooking, laundry, or dish-washing until after 6:00 pm.'
Install an Energy-Saving Power Strip
While unplugging objects when they are not in use is a smart move, it might not be the easiest at times. Maybe because you are so used to not unplugging and thus tend to forget or find it very hassle some. A possible solution is to invest in an energy-saving power strip that can minimize your power usage from 20% all the way up to 48%. This is a huge difference and will allow you to save quite a lot of money in the long run.
Use Exhaust Fans
Exhaust fans do a great job of promoting ventilation by getting rid of heat and humidity from the air. Using these fans while you cook or shower will prevent your room from getting very hot. This means that you will not have to rely on your air conditioning as much and can reduce your electricity usage.
Don’t let summer scare you with hefty energy bills. Follow these tips and begin your environment and money-saving journey today!