7 Ways That You Can Reduce Your AC Costs

According to the United States Department of Energy, heating up and cooling down your home can take a major chunk out of your utility bill each month. These are easy ways that you can cut cooling costs in the summer months:

Shading Your Home

A lot of heat will accumulate in your home if it is directly in the sun, as it will hit the roof or come in through the windows. You can think about planting some leafy trees all around the exterior of your home to keep the sun from making its way through. If you have trees or shrubs that are able to shade your air conditioning unit, you will be able to boost the efficiency of it by around 10%.

Protecting Your Windows

Mesh window screens or solar screens can help to cut about 70% of solar energy before it is even able to make its way into the house. A quality window screen will usually be most effective on either the east or west facing windows.

Another great option is window film, which are metalized transparent sheets that work to reflect the heat before it is able to get through the glass. However, windows have to be shut for the films to be able to work properly. Solar screens will also work double duty, helping to keep both the sun as well as insects out, even if the windows are open.

Adjust The Thermostat While You Are Away

If you lower your air conditioner temperature setting to about 78 degrees F when you are at home and then allow it to rise to a bit warmer temperature when you are away or at night, you will have the ability to save up to 15% on all of your air conditioning costs.

Using A Fan

A fan is best when it is able to circulate the air inside your home. Whenever possible, place the fans on the upper levels of your home and then open the windows on the lower levels. If you happen to live in a one story dwelling, you should think about closing the windows that are near the fan and then open up the windows that are furthest away. It is going to be best if you place the on the windward side of your home.

Try Not to Use the Stove

You have the ability to cut down the indoor heat simply by minimizing the time that you are cooking on the stove or using the oven in the summer months. Instead, think of eating cool salads, grilling outside or using the microwave to cook. If you have to boil pasta, think about cooking ahead of time in the evening hours when the temps outside have gone down. If you have to cook, be sure that you run the kitchen exhaust to bring the heat out of the home.

Replacing Your AC

If you have an older air conditioner, you will be able to cut down on costs simply by getting a new unit that is high efficiency. The higher the rating that you find, the better you will be.

Cutting The Speed of Your AC

Set the fan speed on high, unless it is a humid day. When the day is humid, turn the setting to low. Slower movement of air will remove the moisture and improve the comfort throughout your home.