Summertime can be a long and hot season sometimes and it is important to make sure that you have a great working air conditioning unit and that you know how to preserve and cool the cold air in your home. Keeping your family comfortable this summer is easy when you know how to save money on the costs of cooling. You don’t have to sacrifice being cool to save money on your electric bill. With these savings tips, you will be able to keep a cool home for a good price.
Curtains
Curtains are a great way to cut the cooling cost in your home. You should hang curtains on windows that face the east and west especially and any other windows that have sun that shines through during the day. When the sun shines through the window, it is actually heating up your home. Having curtains on the windows will help block out the heat from the sun and keep your home cooler naturally.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great way to cool down the home and keep the bill low. They do not use as much electricity as the AC and they will keep your rooms cool. Ceiling fans can run on high, medium, or low depending on what you want. Make sure that you only use them when you are in the room to maximize the savings. Ceiling fans work by circulating air through the room and will evenly distribute the cooler air.
Leaking Air
To save money on your cooling costs and to also preserve as much cool air as you can, you will want to go around and check out all of the windows and doors. Sometimes weather stripping will become loose or worn and warm air from the outside will enter your home. If this happens, it is harder to keep the home cool and will require more use of your AC than necessary. If you find any gaps where air is coming in you can simply patch them with new weather stripping or a type of sealant.
Activities
Try to limit heat generating activities to the evening and night times when possible. Running things like the oven and dishwasher create heat in your home and require the use of AC more. If you wait until the cooler times of the day to do these activities, your home will stay nice and cool during the hottest parts. If you cannot wait to do these activities then try running a ceiling fan to circulate the air.
These tricks will help you cut the cooling costs in your home. You can minimize the use of the AC when you take other measures to preserve the cold air that is already in your home. Make sure to keep your AC set at an optimum temperature of 78 degrees and also turn it off or set it up to 80 when you are away. Have a nice and cool summer without a high bill.
For more details call 707-927-1678 or click here
Frequently Asked Questions
How can curtains help reduce cooling costs in the summer?
Hanging curtains, especially on windows facing east and west, can block out heat from sunlight, preventing your home from warming up and reducing the need for air conditioning.
What role do ceiling fans play in cooling your home efficiently?
Ceiling fans circulate air, evenly distributing cooler air throughout the room with much less electricity than an AC unit. To save even more, use them only when you’re in the room.
How can I check for and prevent air leaks in my home?
Inspect windows and doors for worn weather stripping or gaps that let in warm air. Replacing worn-out weather stripping or using sealant can help maintain cooler indoor air, reducing the need for extra AC usage.
Why should I limit heat-generating activities during the day?
Running appliances like ovens and dishwashers during the hottest parts of the day can increase indoor temperatures. Performing these activities in the evening can help maintain cooler temperatures and reduce AC usage.
How does setting my AC to an optimal temperature save on cooling costs?
Keeping your AC set around 78°F when home, and increasing it to 80°F when away, keeps cooling costs down by reducing the workload on your AC unit.
Are there specific times to use a ceiling fan to maximize savings?
For maximum savings, use ceiling fans only when you’re in the room, as they don’t lower temperatures but circulate cool air, creating a comfortable breeze.
What are the benefits of keeping curtains closed during peak sunlight hours?
Closing curtains during peak sunlight hours can block direct sunlight, naturally keeping your home cooler and minimizing AC use.
How often should I check for air leaks to maintain indoor cooling?
It’s wise to check doors and windows at least once per season, as weather changes can cause seals to loosen, leading to potential air leaks.
Can small adjustments to AC settings make a difference in energy bills?
Yes, small adjustments like increasing the temperature a few degrees when away can lead to noticeable savings, as the AC won’t need to work as hard to maintain a cool environment.
What simple strategies can help keep cooling costs low without sacrificing comfort?
Utilizing curtains, checking for air leaks, setting optimal AC temperatures, and limiting heat-generating activities to the evening can all help maintain comfort and lower your cooling costs.
