Your air conditioning system is of course one of the most important parts of the home but it can also add a significant amount to your monthly expenses, especially during the hot summer months. If you are trying to reduce your home's energy usage in order to save money, this summer AC use could prove a problem. But it may be possible to get the results you want while still staying comfortable. Here are some tips to help you and your household remain as green as possible while keeping the air in your home nice and cool.
Ventilate the Room to Turn AC Off
Unless it's a scorcher out there, it may be possible to get by without using the AC all day long. When it's not too bad in the morning or at night, consider turning the AC off and using your ceiling fans combined with open windows instead. The air blowing from a fan can make you feel cooler than you actually are and allowing in some air from outside might also help depending on the time of day.
Maintain Good Seals
When you do have the AC turned on though, you'll want to make sure all air stays where it's supposed to be and that's for both outside and inside the house. Check the seal on every window and door in your home for signs of trouble. That includes the garage door too. Invest in some new weatherstripping or a bigger upgrade like new windows if your current setup is failing you.
Use Your Home Decor
Your blinds and curtains can help you do more than just maintain privacy or offer nice decor. When you have your blinds and curtains closed, the extra layer in front of the windows could go a long way toward helping to provide some extra insulation. This could provide additional assistance if you are having some issues with your windows from a seal standpoint but you can't afford brand-new windows right now.
Swap Out the Filter
Contact a local air conditioning expert and get regular maintenance checkups in order to ensure it is running efficiently. You can at least clean out or swap the air filters yourself on a regular basis in order to keep the air conditioner running as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Upgrade to a New Unit
If your AC is getting up there in years, there may be new units with more energy-efficient features than what you are currently using. Consider talking to an expert about installing a new system if it will pay off in the form of lower energy costs over time.
Contact a local AC company to learn more.
Share