The cost of running your Air Conditioning can be a considerable household expense during the hot summer months. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to make the most of your cooling system and reduce the cost of operating your air conditioning in Sparks area. Keep reading to learn some smart ways to lower your summer utility bills and keep cool at the same time.
Don’t Forget Ceiling Fans
If you have a ceiling fan, don’t stop using it just because you’re running your air conditioner. When used with central air, a ceiling fan can help you reduce your cooling costs significantly. How? The fan will circulate the cool air more effectively through a room, making it feel cooler than it actually is. This will allow you to set your thermostat higher than normal, and you’ll save extra money on your utility bills. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, you can save 5% on your cooling costs for every degree higher you set your thermostat.
Use Drapes To Your Advantage
During the warmer months, many people love to let the sun into their homes by using breezy, light-colored drapery in their windows. But if you’re trying to lower your cooling costs, this is a big no-no. Letting too much sun in during the hottest parts of the day will raise the temperature in your home dramatically, leading to higher utility bills. Instead, use drapery to your advantage by purchasing blinds or heavy, dark-toned window treatments for sun-facing windows. This will keep the sun out and instantly cool your home.
Tweak Your Cooking
Using your oven on hot days can quickly cause the temperature in your home to rise, making your air conditioner work harder to maintain a consistently cool temperature. During the summer months, consider switching to alternate methods of cooking that are hot-weather friendly. Slow-cookers and microwaves use less energy and don’t put off heat like ovens do. You can also take your cooking outside and fire-up the grill on hot days to eliminate temperature changes in your home.
Using an air conditioner can be expensive, but there are simple ways to cut costs. Using the tactics above can reduce your overall energy costs and give your air conditioning unit a much-needed break.
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