Part of what we love about our homes is that they keep us cool in the summer. Who doesn't love stepping through the door, out of the sweltering heat, and into a breezy indoor oasis? For many homeowners, that feeling comes at much too high a price. In this era of tight budgets and uncertain employment, cranking up the AC can land you in financial hot water. Here are a few tips for keeping your home pleasant without spending a fortune:
1. Check your windows.
Ideally, every home would have double-pane windows that are in good repair and free from warping. If you can afford to modernize your windows, then the energy savings will pay off in the long run. However, if you are not looking to do major remodeling, there are still ways you can cut down on heating and cooling costs.
Make sure that any draft-causing gaps are sealed with weather stripping. You may also want to install a reflective film to help keep the sunlight from warming your home. Heavy, insulating curtains and blinds can also help.
2. Inspect your air vents.
To work at peak efficiency, your air vents should be clean and unobstructed by furniture or other objects. For the rooms you use most, you may want to consider buying an air vent booster. An air vent booster is a device which increases air flow through the vent, making sure that the cool air gets into the room.
You can also purchase magnetic air vent covers for the rooms you don't use often, like a guest bedroom or a storage room. By ensuring that the cooled air only goes where you need it, you can save energyand money- while still staying comfortable.
3. Avoid generating unnecessary heat.
Turn off electronic devices and lights when not in use. Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient, low-heat fluorescent bulbs. Avoid baking in the oven or doing a lot of cooking on the stove. Use the microwave or eat cold foods like salads and sandwiches instead.
4. Use ceiling fans for air circulation.
This seems a little counter-intuitive as a money-saving strategy, since you are turning on a device that uses electricity. However, a fan can help circulate the air and so that the air conditioner will cool your home more efficiently.
5. Change your air filter.
An air filter that looks dirty needs to be replaced. A dirty air filter forces the air conditioner to work harder to cool the home. The cost of the replacement filter will be more than made up for by the amount you will save on energy.
6. Get a programmable thermostat.
When you use a programmable thermostat, you can have the air conditioner automatically do less while you are away at work. There is no point in paying to cool the home to a comfortable temperature when no one is around. The thermostat can be programmed to start making the house cool just before you come home and to keep the temperature tolerable until you leave.