During summer, managing the temperature and keeping your house cool can be costly. Running the air conditioning more often increases your electric bills significantly. Air conditioning accounts for 12% of annual home energy expenditure. Fortunately, it is possible to keep your home comfortable and reduce cooling costs at the same time.
Close Your Curtains and Blinds During the Day
Sunlight transfers heat energy. By leaving your curtains open during the day, the heat from the sun warms your home. The AC has to work harder to lower the temperature. Keeping curtains and blinds closed will deflect heat from entering your home. Close the curtains during the day and open them in the evenings to allow heat to escape.
Install a Smart Thermostat to Reduce Cooling Costs
Install a smart thermostat and you can control it remotely via your smartphone. This type of thermometer adjusts your home’s temperature according to your schedule. You can control the temperature even when you’re away, which helps reduce cooling costs.
Install Energy-Efficient Light Bulbs
Traditional incandescent bulbs get hot when in use. Because they generate so much heat, these lightbulbs consume a lot of energy and warm up the room. Turn them off when you leave the room or when you’re going to bed at night. When it’s time to replace light bulbs, choose energy-efficient LEDs that consume less energy, don’t get as hot, and have a longer lifespan.
Seal Your Home
Eliminating drafts in your house will lower cooling costs in the summer and winter heating costs. Caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows help to prevent indoor air from escaping and outside air from entering your home. The less heat coming into your house, the less work the cooling system will have to do.
Scheduled System Maintenance and Repair
Have you noticed a significant spike in your cooling costs recently? Chances are your HVAC system is malfunctioning or needs attention. It is best to service your AC in the spring to reduce the chance of a breakdown in the hottest part of the summer. Keeping the unit in great shape will extend its lifespan and lower energy costs.
Change Daily Routines to Reduce Cooling Costs
Regular use of household appliances such as the stove, dishwasher, dryer, and oven contributes to heat buildup inside. The heat from these appliances will warm the home, especially during the warmest hours of the day. To reduce cooling costs, switch up your daily routine. When it’s hot outside, cook on the grill outdoors and wait until evening to use the clothes dryer.
Cole’s Inspection Services offers home inspections in and around Statesville, NC. Contact us to request our services.