The summer heat is here, which typically means so are higher cooling costs. But what if we told you that you don’t have to break the bank just to remain comfortable this summer? Here is a list of ways you can cut your summer cooling costs.
10 Ways To Save Money And Cool Your Home This Summer
1. Schedule an Air Conditioner Checkup
Your air conditioner needs routine maintenance to keep it running efficiently with minimal repairs. Your local HVAC technician should inspect, clean, and service the air conditioner at least twice a year — once in the fall and once in the summer.
It would be even more beneficial for you if you checked on your HVAC system monthly (on top of your bi-yearly scheduled professional tune-ups). There are plenty of things a homeowner can do to ensure their system is working efficiently every month.
Read More: Follow These Monthly HVAC Maintenance Tips to Avoid Expensive Repairs
2. Use a Fan Instead of Your Air Conditioner
In the cooler temperatures of the morning or evening, turn off your air conditioner and turn on your ceiling fan. You can also turn the temperature up on your air conditioner, without shutting it off completely, if you use a fan at the same time. Trust us, the ceiling fan will still create a cool breeze.
3. Adjust the Thermostat
The higher you set the temperature on your air conditioner, the lower your cooling costs will be. Setting it a 75 degrees Fahrenheit or above can save you up to 15 percent on your energy bills.
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
Many people forget to adjust the thermostat when leaving for the day. A programmable thermostat can make the adjustments for you on a schedule that works for your family. Because why should anyone waste money and energy heating or cooling an empty home?
5. Open the Windows at Night
Opening the windows of your home creates cross breezes, drawing in the cooler night air. On nights when the temperatures drop, open up your windows and turn on your ceiling fans.
6. Close Your Curtains and Blinds
Radiant heat from the sun can raise the temperature inside your home by several degrees, making your AC work that much harder. Close the curtains and blinds to keep the heat out to ensure your HVAC system doesn’t continue to cool all day long.
7. Plant Trees and Shrubs
South and westward facing windows get a lot of direct sun. Planting deciduous trees and shrubs can provide shade to these windows, lowering the amount of heat getting inside. In the winter, the leaves drop and you can use the radiant heat to lower your heating bills.
8. Cook Outside
When possible, take the cooking outside to the grill. Stoves and ovens produce a lot of heat, which gets trapped in your home. By cooking outside, you can lower your cooling costs while enjoying a seasonal meal.
9. Postpone Heat Producing Activities Until After Dark
The best idea is to avoid producing any heat inside your home. That means washing dishes by hand and drying clothes outside. However, if you still want to use the dishwasher or dryer, try to do it after dark, when temperatures are cooler.
10. Replace Your Air Conditioner
If your AC unit is more than 10 years old, it’s time to start budgeting for a replacement. Newer units are much more efficient and work better in the heat of a New Jersey summer.
These tips will help you bring down the cooling costs without sweating this summer. For air conditioner service or replacement, contact Harris PHAP today. We have proudly served our neighbors in New Jersey for over 30 years.
