5 Ways to Immediately Save Money on Cooling Your Home
Summer is here, and the heat and humidity are rolling in. While we generally take air-conditioning for granted, it can be an expensive luxury.
Here's 5 ways to immediately start saving money on keeping your home cool.
- 1
Change the Filter
Air will flow through your unit with greater efficiency if you change your A/C's filter regularly. If it's dirty or clogged, it's working too hard and will cost you more money.
- 2
Use the Ceiling Fan...Properly
During the summer you want the fan to blow air straight down, so your ceiling fan needs to run in a counter clockwise direction (as you look up at it). The warmer it is, the higher the speed should be.
- 3
Pull the Drapes
Direct sunlight in any part of your home will cause heat pockets. Pull the drapes when you leave for a cooler home when your return. This should include all south and west facing windows in the summer.
- 4
Buy a Programmable Thermostat
According to CBSNews, using a programmable thermostat can save you a whopping $180 per year! It saves energy by automatically turning itself down when you're away and remembers the temperatures you like and programs itself. I haven't installed one myself but they say they're easy to install.
- 5
Upgrade to New Energy Star Unit
According to U.S. Department of Energy estimates, you'll use about 10 percent less energy with a new Energy Star appliance than one without that designation. Seriously consider replacing your unit if it's more than 10 years old.