NMLS: 2576 | CT LICENSE: 1101 | MA LICENSE: LS2576 | MI LICENSE: FR0023580 As the thermostats start to creep up this summer, will your energy costs creep up too? Whether you have central air conditioning, window air conditioners, or good old fans, we’ve found some ways to keep your house cooler – with as small an impact on your wallet as possible. Here are our top ten:
1. Use a Fan with Your A/C. Placing a fan near your window air conditioning unit will help get the cool air circulating more quickly than just running an air conditioner by itself.
2. Bigger Isn’t Always Better. An air conditioner that is bigger (more BTU’s) than recommended for your room will actually perform less efficiently than a right-sized unit. Check the square footage to be sure you have a good fit.
3. Unplug It! In addition to drawing excess energy, unused appliances also create heat just by being plugged in. To make it easier, you may want to consider power strips for kitchen appliances and entertainment electronics.
4. Turn On the Ceiling Fans. Just moving the air around will make you feel cooler, and use less energy than an air conditioner.
5. Replace Old Air Conditioners. Replace really old air conditioners with newer, more efficient units. Not only will they work better, you’ll also lower your electric bill. Also, clean or replace your AC filter every month to guarantee efficiency.
6. Don’t Use Your Oven. Here’s an excuse to not cook! Heating up the oven counteracts all the good work of your air conditioners and/or fans. Stick to cool summer salads, the microwave, and use the stovetop or grill whenever possible.
7. Take a Cold Shower. A cold shower won’t make the air around you any cooler, but it feels great on a hot day – plus there’s the added benefit of using less energy to heat up the water!
8. Open and Shut. Many summer nights are crisp and cool. Take advantage of them by opening up your windows (and turning on your attic fan, if you have one) to cool down the entire house. When things start to warm up in the morning, close the windows and use inexpensive room-darkening shades to keep it cool without turning on an air conditioner.
9. Plug Up the Gaps. If you have central air, carefully check your ductwork for gaps and cracks. Seal them using mastic, or heat-approved tapes (look for the “UL” – Underwriters Laboratories – logo). Consider hiring a professional to insulate ductwork in your basement and attic. And if you use window air conditioners, make sure there are no gaps on the top or sides, so the cool air can’t escape!
10. Check Your Settings. Just like in the winter, using a programmable thermostat will help you save on air conditioning by regulating the settings automatically – so you don’t have to worry about forgetting. Set the thermostat a little higher than usual. Air conditioners remove humidity and sometimes, drier air, so, even a warmer temperature than you’re used to is all you need to keep cool. Also, don’t use the “fan” setting on central air for air circulation. It’s more expensive and less energy efficient than standard fans doing the same job.
