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5 Ways to Cool Down AC Costs this Summer
Energy-saving Tips to Manage Cooling Costs
When temperatures start soaring in the Midwest, something else tends to increase too: the number at the bottom of local energy bills. Keeping your home cool and comfortable all summer can be very energy-intensive, especially during heat waves drought-filled days. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy warns that summer AC costs, like wintertime heating costs, could make up as much as 45 percent of your total monthly utility costs. But did you know that some of these increases aren't actually inevitable?
Your HVAC unit plays a big role in cooling your home, but it doesn't have to work alone. If you're smart about how you use your windows, appliances, and thermostat, you can actually lower indoor temperatures and decrease the seasonal burden on your AC unit. Our real estate agents know how important it is to avoid unnecessary expenses when you're a homeowner, so here are five of our favorite ways to cool down your energy bill this summer.
- Use fans to circulate cool air
Instead of relying on your AC to push cool air into every corner of your home, redistribute it. Ceiling fans, table fans, and tower fans actually make AC units more effective, because they circulate cooled air. Fans also make warmer temperatures more bearable, so you may be able to turn up the temperature on your thermostat for a few degrees of savings. Just use fans to recreate the wind-chill effect of a cool breeze on a summer day. - Clean and maintain your HVAC equipment
Energy-efficient HVAC systems are only energy-efficient when they're properly cleaned and maintained. Change your filter regularly, clean dust and buildup off your AC unit, and schedule seasonal maintenance to make sure all the parts are clean, lubricated, and in working order. Don't forget to keep ducts and vents clean too, so that cool air can flow freely through your house. - Plant trees & shrubs for outdoor shade
Does direct sunlight shine into any of your windows? These big glass light sources could be turning certain rooms into greenhouses, ramping up the demands on your AC unit. If the unit itself is also in the direct sun, it could be working less efficiently because it's overheated. Consider planting a fast-growing tree or two outside to create strategic shady spots for energy savings. - Use major appliances at night--or not at all
Your washer, dryer, dishwasher, stove and oven might be using more electricity than you realize. If you use these appliances during the hottest and brightest times of day, they may be generating heat that makes the AC unit's job even more difficult. Instead of firing up big appliances at noon, wait until it's dark to use the washing machine. You may also want to consider alternatives to stovetop cooking, like grilling or using a toaster oven. - Use blinds, curtains and window screens to deflect light
Windows can be major sources of heat gain, but curtains, blinds and solar screens will make a big difference if you use them correctly. Window treatments in lighter hues will deflect solar rays, reflective blinds prevent a hotbox effect, and solar screens actually block UV rays before the sun reaches your indoor spaces. Just make sure you hang curtains and blinds close to the window pane and close them when the sun is hitting the window.
Our real estate agents are truly passionate about serving our communities here in Indiana and Michigan, and we want to make sure you're happy with your surroundings all year round. If you're interested in buying or selling a home this summer, contact a Cressy & Everett office near you.
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