The hottest time of the year is right around the corner. Spending time indoors without air conditioning can be miserable. For most households, running the AC all day creates a cool and comfortable environment, but it can also come with a hefty price tag. To save energy during the summer, here are a few ways to reduce your cooling bill.
Use Ceiling Fans to Reduce Your Cooling Bill
Ceiling fans circulate air and make the home feel cooler. They use less energy than the air conditioner and the moving air helps cool a room better than AC alone. Use ceiling fans along with air conditioning to boost air circulation and cool your home more efficiently.
Set the Thermostat
Set the thermostat as high as comfortable to use less energy. Increasing the thermostat by only a few degrees makes a difference in your electric bill while still keeping the home cool. Use fans to circulate air in areas where you spend the most time.
A programmable thermostat works to automatically raise the temperature while you are not home, so you are not keeping the home cool for no reason. You can schedule the thermostat to lower the temperature before you get home every day.
Cover the Windows to Control the Temperature Indoors
The interior temperature increase when sunlight pours through the windows. Install blinds or drapes that block the UV rays as a barrier from the heat. Closing the blinds and shades during the warmest parts of the day helps maintain a comfortable climate and reduces your cooling bill. Open the windows and blinds in the evenings when the outdoor temperature drops.
Reduce Your Cooling Bill by Using Plants
Place plants around the perimeters of your house to block the sun. Plants absorb heat and can also shade the AC unit, which increases it’s efficiency as it runs during the day.
Choose a Roof with a Light Color
A darker roof attracts heat which transfers through the structure and into the building. Dark roofs reach temperatures of up to 150 degrees when exposed to the sun for several hours. Install a lighter color roof to prevent the home from absorbing as much heat. Installing a new roof with metal panels or clay tiles also keeps less heat from transferring into the building.
It is difficult to avoid using your air conditioner during the summer season, but there are still ways to keep your energy usage down without being uncomfortable in the house. With the right tips and techniques, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and save on your energy bill.
Henrie Home Inspection Services offers home inspection services in northern New Jersey. Contact us to schedule an appointment.