Saving Electricity In Your Home This Summer
Energy Efficient Central Air Unit
Cleveland, Ohio is definitely ready for a heat wave. While we’ve had months of rain and cooler weather, summer is right around the corner. If you’re the type that uses your air conditioner all the time, you may want to consider implementing some of these tips to save money on your electric bill.
60% of all electricity used in the summer months is air conditioning.
Turning down your central air just 1 degree can save you 7% on your electricity bill.
If your home is outdated or it’s time for new insulation, try adding fiberglass or cellulose insulation to your attic. It can cost anywhere from several hundred to thousands of dollars depending. Adding insulation can save you 20% a year on your electricity bill.
When the sun is shining, close your blinds or drapes. The less sun you allow inside the home, the cooler it will stay. Consider heavier drapes in the summer as well as the winter to help insulate the windows. Blackout curtains are also a great option especially for the bedroom. Blocking the sun on very hot days will help keep your home cool.
Use appliances that don’t generate a lot of heat such as the dishwasher, dryer and stove. Try using them at night if possible as opposed to during the day.
Turn off your central air or air conditioner at night. If you don’t already have a ceiling fan, it may be a wise investment. Ceiling fans can run anywhere from less than a hundred dollars to over a thousand. The great part about this investment is that ceiling fans use only 10% of the power that your central air uses! Use the fan when possible and especially at night.
Keep those filters changed. Your central air/furnace filter should be changed every month (or cleaned) if possible. Many can be hosed down or washed outside or utility sink, dried and reused. If you’re running window air conditioning units, clean those filters every 1-2 months.
Keep the exterior central air unit free of debris. Remove leaves or plants that may be growing along the side of it. Make sure there is a good, healthy air flow.
Your thermostat only goes by the temperature near it. If you have a door near your thermostat, consider not using that as much in the summer and maybe using a different door instead such as the side, front or back door. Your thermostat will click on more as it gets blasted with hot air wasting energy and leaving the rest of your house colder than you’d like.
Use the schedule settings on your central air thermostat. Turn it down in the day while not at work and set it to turn down at night also. Every little bit helps. Enjoy your summer!
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