We’re entering the hottest part of the summer here in the United States and many of us facing a difficult decision: We can stay cool and dry in our houses by paying high electric bills due to the cost of running our air conditioners all the time or we can skip the AC and be hot and humid.
Don’t fret, there are some things you can do to keep your house cool while still saving money. If you’re having a hard time paying your electric bill this summer then take heart because here are a few simple ways you can help your air conditioner work less in the middle of the summer.
Blinds on Windows and Doors: Sunlight pouring in through your windows can heat your home like an oven. You’ll be amazed at how much cooler your house can be with the strategic placement of a few light-blocking blinds over your sunniest windows. Regular shades probably aren’t enough. You’ll want to use a full light-blocking blind. Most light-blocking shades actually have a specially designed plastic or cloth liner built into them. You can keep your regular decorative shades in place, just be sure to also use light blocking blinds on the same window or doorway. Blocking out that light during the sunniest part of the day can make a dramatic difference in cooling.
Replace your Air Conditioner Air Filters: Whether you have a central air conditioner or window AC units, you have to clean and eventually replace your air filters every so often to make sure you have a unblocked flow of cool air. A dirty air filter can stop air from being blown efficiently by your AC unit. If your air filter is really dirty it could actually cause your air conditioner blower to overheat which could end up being costly to fix. This is probably one of the single most important central air conditioner maintenance tips. You’ll want to check your air filters once a month and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and replacing your air filters regularly.
Insulate and Seal: One way to keep your home cooler is to make sure you’re not losing any cold air from your AC where you shouldn’t be. You can inspect all your windows and doors looking for gaps where cool air could seep out. If you have window air conditioning units you may want to make sure they are fastened securely and have no gaps around the mounting hardware. If you have a central air conditioner then you should go over as much of the aluminum vent system as you can. Utilize aluminum foil tape to seal up any pin holes or gaps that may be letting out cool air. You may also want to close the air duct registers and close the doors in rooms you don’t use so that your air conditioner doesn’t have to try to cool those rooms too.
Any one of these energy saving methods will help keep your house interior cooler and help your AC keep running efficiently this summer. The price of a single air conditioner repair can be as much as a single home note payment.These are just some of the many home air cooling methods you can use to stay comfortable inside during the heat of the summer months. And remember, even changing the ceiling fan direction can make a huge cooling difference in a room. Using these cooling tips and tricks in unison with one another can really help you save money on your energy bills and keep you cool during the summer!
You can save money by doing your own do-it-yourself home improvement projects. All you need is a little time, a few tools and a desire to learn!
