Summer’s scorching temperatures are here, and for many households that means
increased energy use to power air conditioners, fans, and appliances for staying cool at
home. Of course, you want to be comfortable, but you also want to avoid utility bill
shock from the double whammy of peak rates and prolonged AC runtime. Fortunately,
there are affordable and effective strategies for keeping your home cool and your
energy costs under control. By following just a few practical tips, you can enjoy a safe,
relaxed summer and reduce the impact on your monthly budget.
Prevent Heat From Entering
The first line of defence is stopping heat from entering the house in the first place. Close
blinds and curtains during the warmest parts of the day to block sunlight. Properly
sealing doors, and windows, and using rugs and draft stoppers prevent cooled air from
leaking outside. You’ll reduce the burden on your AC system and cut down runtime.
Taking these preventative measures makes an enormous difference in inside
temperatures.
Ensure Optimum AC Performance
Of .course, your cooling system still needs to perform properly when managing the heat
,h3that does penetrate your home. Have an HVAC technician examine and service the unit
at the start of summer. Replace air filters, clean ducts, and address any reduction in
cooling capacity or efficiency. Our team is available for same-day visits to minimize
breakdown risks at the hottest times. A finely tuned AC will maintain comfort without
the energy waste of overworking.
Strategically Use Fans
Don’t forget about ceiling and pedestal fans. Though fans do not alter air temperature,
they generate a cooling breeze thanks to our perception of wind chill. This allows
thermostats to be set higher while maintaining comfort. With affordable operating
costs, fans offer a cost-effective cooling boost day or night.
Adjust AC Settings For Efficiency
There’s no need to blast the AC with full power the moment temperatures rise. This
tempts many but actually backfires by overworking your system without accelerating
cooldown. Instead, incrementally lower the thermostat to 25-27°C while using a
moderate fan setting. You’ll avoid wasteful overcooling and save electricity while hitting
your comfort zone. Turn off AC in unoccupied rooms too so you’re not cooling empty
spaces.
Power Down At Night
Finally, adjust the AC schedule to exploit cooler night temperatures. Set a timer to
switch off the system while sleeping or away at work. If outdoor lows allow open
windows and shut off the AC entirely. The less runtime for your AC, the more you’ll
conserve and the lower your utility costs will stay through summer.
Following just a handful of these practical summer cooling tips can make a significant
impact on electricity demand and keep rates from skyrocketing.
