Many people prefer warm days due to their numerous perks.
More outdoor sports can be held, and backyard outings, summer parties, and similar activities are only possible and enjoyable on sunny days.
However, one thing that most people like least is excessive warmth. Although heat is good, it can sometimes be unbearable.
In such cases, nothing is better than having a fully functional air conditioning (AC) unit inside your home.
Having an air conditioner will help keep your house comfortably cool, especially during the hotter months.
After all, no one wants to stay indoors and feel as though they’re inside a microwave.
But despite the comfort that an AC unit delivers, it comes with a high price tag.
Using it often can lead to higher energy bills. For that reason, a lot of people are stuck with the dilemma of wanting to reduce their electricity bill and the need to survive the blazing indoor heat during the summer days.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to steer clear of astronomical energy bills without having to sacrifice comfort.
But for that to happen, you’re going to need creativity and patience. So stay cool and try out these six tips to save money on your air conditioning:
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1. Replace Your Old AC Unit
First off, try to check if your current AC unit is in good condition.
Most often, a worn-down or malfunctioning AC unit will only cause a spike in your electricity bill.
For instance, when your AC’s compressor or motor is already too old to function, this faulty part will become less efficient, causing the rest of your AC unit to double its cooling efforts.
As a result, your energy bill will increase more than expected.
Thus, it’s recommended to have your AC unit regularly checked for any faulty parts.
You can check out sites such as PTAC4Less for affordable yet quality refurbished AC units.
It’s understandable if you’re hesitant about getting a replacement.
However, keep in mind that a malfunctioning AC unit will cost you more in the long run than having it replaced with something better and more energy-efficient.
2. Seal Windows and Doors
If your AC is working perfectly, then perhaps another reason your energy bills are soaring high is due to unsealed doors, windows, and similar fixtures in the house.
When your home is constantly opened, all the cold air produced by your AC unit will go to waste.
In such cases, your air conditioner will have to exert more effort and use up more energy than normally required to cool down your home.
To avoid that, make sure to keep your windows and doors tightly closed when the AC unit is turned on.
It’s also recommended to go outside and check for any tiny holes, spaces, and gaps around the house that are letting the cool air slip out.
You can add insulation or caulk the edges to keep your home airtight and save a lot of money on your AC.
3. Reposition Your Thermostat
Your thermostat’s placement in the house can play a significant role in your air conditioner’s performance.
For instance, when you place your thermostat near a window or an exterior wall, it might register a higher temperature reading, causing your unit to work harder and consume more energy.
That’s because a higher temperature reading would send a false alarm signaling that your room is hotter than it actually is.
To ensure that your thermostat isn’t sending inaccurate readings to your AC, it’s best to have it repositioned by a professional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor.
They’ll know which area in your house you should best place your thermostat.
Moreover, they may recommend that you upgrade to a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats are more accurate and can regulate your home’s temperature even when no one’s home.
4. Avoid Heat Buildup
Another excellent way to save money on air conditioning is minimizing the heat buildup inside your home.
The truth is, as a homeowner, you have full control over your home’s indoor heat.
You may not realize it, but indoor heat isn’t always caused by the hot temperature outside.
Instead, it’s the daily activities you do that contribute to the increasing heat inside your house.
Some of these activities may include cooking on the stove, drying your clothes, and using the microwave, the dishwasher, or a hair blower.
Using those appliances every day will only contribute to the heat buildup as they produce a large amount of heat, which in return would cause your AC unit to overcool your house and use up more energy.
To avoid the accumulation of heat and keep your indoor temperature down as much as possible, try to minimize or avoid doing those activities every day.
For instance, instead of using the dryer, you may opt to hang your laundry outside and allow the sun’s heat to dry your clothes.
You may also choose to use only one heating appliance per day.
Another is washing your dishes by hand rather than turning to the dishwasher after every meal.
Applying all those changes into your daily household routine can positively affect your energy bill and help you save more money every month.
5. Boost Air Circulation With Ceiling Fans
You don’t always need to boost your AC’s cooling to increase the coolness of your home.
One way to make your home feel cooler without turning up the AC is to use a ceiling fan.
The ceiling fan will improve your indoor air circulation and take some of the burden from your air conditioner.
Moreover, the ceiling fan will help cool down the temperature of the room, making it possible to turn down the AC for a bit without compromising the comfort of your home.
As a result, you get to keep your energy bills to a minimum.
To maximize the use of your ceiling fans, it’s best to install them in areas where they can blow more air around the house.
6. Bring Nature Close to You
Aside from using your AC unit, you can try some alternative methods to cool down your home.
For instance, putting house plants inside and outside your home can help improve the air quality and keep your house cool on hotter days.
This may not directly help reduce your electricity bills, but it can make a massive difference in the long run.
You can also plant leafy trees around your house to add more shade and prevent the sun’s rays from entering your home and heating the rooms.
Doing so can reduce the heat in your house and give you one less reason to turn on your AC.
Stay Cool Without Racking Up the Bills
Every homeowner wants to keep their house cool and comfortable without draining their wallet.
Thankfully, simple efforts can go a long way toward lowering your air conditioning expenses.
Try out a few of the tips listed above and see how much difference they can do for your energy bill.
In case they don’t work as well as you’d hoped, it’s advisable to call your trusted HVAC contractor and have them check your unit for any issues you might not be aware of.
