Keep Your Energy Costs Down This Summer - AllPro A/C
When the mercury creeps higher it’s natural to want to ratchet up the air conditioner. But that’s not always the most economic or eco-sensitive solution. Believe it or not, making a few simple changes can pay off with a cool house and a lower bill.
An air conditioner set at 70°F costs twice as much to operate as one set at 78°F. It may seem counterintuitive, but raise the thermostat by 2 degrees above its normal setting. You won’t feel a difference, but you will see one on your bill.
74°F to 78°F is a comfortable range for most people. Set the thermostat to 80°F when you’ll be out of the house for several hours and lower it when you return. But don’t shut the air conditioner off; it’s less efficient to cool the house back down than to leave it set at a higher temperature.
Clean or replace the air conditioner filter monthly. Clogged, dirty filters block air flow and make a unit work much harder. A clean filter can save 10% on your bill.
Box fans are only efficient if someone is in the room to enjoy them, so don’t leave them running in empty rooms.
If there isn’t enough roof overhang to shield windows from direct sun, awnings over west- and south-facing windows not only block solar heat but protect furnishings from UV damage.
Lights, computers and televisions all generate heat. Turn them off when they’re not in use and you’ll save twice on your energy bill.
Low-emissivity film applied to older, less energy-efficient windows blocks the sun’s rays and helps prevent cooled air from escaping.