In summer, just like in winter ... the electricity bill may be triggered by the air conditioning or the fans. Everyone is looking for the best way to stay cool and endure the high temperatures, especially when opening the windows or lowering the blinds is not enough. This is why it is so important to keep your home efficient in the summer.
If you are one of the people who usually has the air on all summer, you can do things so that your bills do not skyrocket ... You will only have to follow the following tips.
Keep your air conditioning in good condition
If you have an old or dilapidated air conditioner, it is likely that it will consume much more than you expect when your electricity bill arrives. Talk to a professional to take a look and optimize your functionally. In addition to cleaning the device, it is necessary to calibrate it and see that the ventilation system, trays, coils or connections are in good condition.
In addition, you should remember that it is important that you clean the filter regularly to ensure that accumulated dust or dirt is not a problem and does not wear out unnecessarily.
Once the inspection is complete and the new filters are in place, you can further optimize your air conditioning system by setting the thermostat for the season. While it may be tempting to adjust the temperature according to the weather, don't do it. Doing so actually uses up more energy and can increase your bills. Instead of this, experts recommend setting the system to a manageable temperature each season and then leaving it on automatic.
Have your house well sealed
You may be used to hearing that air leaks in windows and doors can make you spend more money on your electricity bill, and this is true in both summer and winter. While this maneuver will help keep the air warm inside your home, it will also help keep the cool air where it belongs. The reality is that if all the fresh air is escaping from your home, your air conditioning system has to work a lot harder. However, if the cold air remains in the rooms, your appliance can be turned off earlier and save money and energy.
Ideally, have a professional help you detect areas where there are air leaks in your home. However, if you don't want to make this level of commitment yet, you can do some of this work yourself. You simply have to make sure that your house is well insulated and use putty or other elements to seal both doors and windows.
Invest in a good ceiling fan
Although it may sound simple, one of the easiest ways to stay cool in the summer is to invest in a high-quality ceiling fan. While ceiling fans don't directly cool the air, they work well with your air conditioner helping to circulate cool air faster.
Using ceiling fans allows you to set your thermostat up to four degrees higher, which will help you save money. The key to helping a ceiling fan do its job is paying attention to the direction the air is flowing.
Most fans have a "clockwise" and "counter-clockwise" setting. In summer, it is best to run your fan blades counterclockwise. That way, they push the cold air towards you. The trick to determining if the fan is set correctly is to simply get under the fan while it is on and see if you can feel the cool breeze. If you do, it is set correctly. Otherwise, all you have to do is get a ladder and change the settings.
Be careful with the lights that give heat
Did you know that almost 15% of the electricity you consume comes from light bulbs that are not energy efficient? The rest turns into heat. Fortunately, you can combat these percentages by using new, energy-efficient bulbs that run cooler. Also, turning off any lights that you're not using helps stop the creation of any excess heat.
Like lighting, the electronics in your home can also generate excess heat energy. Appliances like your washing machine, dishwasher, and oven are the main culprits. You can take a spin by investing in certified and energy efficient models of these products. However, the best way to save energy is to avoid using these appliances on the hottest days. Wait until the weather cools down a bit (for example at night) to do your laundry and find alternative cooking methods, like grilling.