When summer veers around the corner after spring, the rising humidity and temperature isn’t the only frustrating thing with which you have to tolerate: cue cooling costs. We might be more comfortable living in a house with the temperature kept at under 72°F, but is it worth it? While an increased power bill is expected after the first heat wave, finding ways to save on your home’s cooling costs in the summer will prevent astronomical charges.
- Change your thermostat sparingly.
Messing with your thermostat whenever you come home just because you feel too hot—say your thermostat is reading 79°F so you set it to cool at 72°F in hopes it will cool down faster—just wastes money by forcing your A/C to overcool within the same amount of time. Even if your air conditioning isn’t keeping up with the temperature you set on extremely hot days, leave the thermostat where it is.
However, you don’t have to leave it at the set temperature indefinitely. The U.S. Department of Energy writes that you can save money by turning up your thermostat 7°-10° in the summer when you are away from home for long periods of time and decreasing back to where it was when you return.
- Set the thermostat at reasonable temperatures (and get used to it.)
The recommended summer thermostat temperature is 75°F–78°F, with 78°F the most budget friendly. These temperatures are recommended because the closer your thermostat reads to the outdoor temperature, the more money is saved. But what if you can’t stand that 75°F–78°F range? Well, you can couple this option with another:
- Turn on a fan.
If you don’t have a ceiling fan, install one—assuming your landlord allows you if you rent. Otherwise, purchase a good fan or two for each room that needs it. A fan produces the “wind chill” effect, making the climate around you feel slightly cooler than it actually is. When you utilize the wind chill effect, you can also turn up the thermostat a couple degrees and remain comfortable.
- Purchase energy-efficient equipment.
Making sure various energy-consuming household appliances are up-to-date with regard to energy efficiency can help save on your home’s summer cooling costs. If you can afford to replace your energy-hogging refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc., you can save in the long run.
- Use your dishwasher in the evening or at night.
If you avoid using the dishwasher during the hottest times of the day, your A/C has one less source of heat to worry about. Another efficient use of the dishwasher is to utilize the “power-saving switch” if it has one and to select the shortest cycle needed to wash the dish load.
- Use the oven over the stove when you can.
An oven traps heat as opposed to the stove, so it’s more economical. A few things you can do to save money when using the oven and stove are the following:
- Cook with a slow cooker or microwave oven when you can,
- Prepare multiple dishes in the same oven,
- Turn on the stove fan while cooking and immediately turn it off when done cooking, and
- Keep food warm in the oven by reducing the temperature to no more 140°F to 200°F.
- Reduce hot water use.
Many of us love our hot showers, but the U.S. Department of Energy explains that heating water makes up roughly 18% of your home’s power bill. So either take shorter showers, reduce the water temperature, adjust your water heater to a cooler setting and insulate it, or all the above to save on your home’s cooling cost this summer.
- Manage the washer and dryer accordingly.
Another way to save on your home’s cooling cost this summer is by
- Using the appropriate temperature for your load of clothing,
- Wash full loads instead of partial loads if you can,
- Dry heavier clothes separate from light clothes, and
- Clear out the lint filter often.
- Install energy-efficient lighting.
When it comes time to save on your home’s cooling cost this summer, you won’t regret installing fluorescent lightbulbs, which not only create more lighting than incandescent lights, but are also economical and longer-lasting. Additionally, opening the blinds during the day to let in some natural lighting will help.
- Run a bathroom fan or open a bathroom window during a shower.
To prevent your air conditioner from working harder than it needs AND to reduce uncomfortable humidity in your house, running a fan or opening a window in the bathroom with the door closed is economical. This method also prevents mold and mildew from developing on your bathroom ceiling and walls thanks to consistent heat and humidity.
Now that you know these simple ways to save on your home’s cooling costs in the summer, you can avoid a jarring bill from the Alabama Power Company. For more homeowner’s advice, continue following the Ryan Roberts Realtor blog! And for all your real estate needs in the Auburn, Opelika or Lake Martin areas, contact Ryan Roberts today at 334-750-9872 or via email at [email protected]!
