Tips to Lower Energy Bills This Summer

It's finally summer! However, the warm weather we've been anticipating all year has coincided with significant increases in our power costs. According to the Energy Information Administration, the typical family spent $405 on power in the summer of 2015. Cooling down your house does not have to result in an increase in your energy cost. There are a few simple tactics and ideas that can help you save money on your energy bill while also saving the environment.

About half of the home's energy budget is spent on heating and cooling. Finding the most efficient technique to ventilate your home will save you money and reduce your energy usage.

1. Use a thermostat that can be programmed.

A programmable thermostat is a great way to save electricity. It allows you to schedule when your house will be empty and when you will be sleeping. It will change the temperature of your house properly during certain times. This eliminates the trouble of continuously changing your thermostat as well as the fear of returning home to a hot house. The Nest is a fantastic example of a programmable thermostat. The Nest retails for $250, but the firm says that it may save you 20% on your power costs.

2. Replace your appliances with ENERGY STAR models.

The ENERGY STAR is a U.S. government award the Environmental Protection Agency gives to a product that complies with the US government's stringent energy-efficiency requirements in order to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. A room air conditioner that is ENERGY STAR certified uses roughly 15% less energy than non-qualified ones. Over the unit's lifespan, the 15% may save you about $85 in savings. Visit energystar.gov for additional information.

3. When you are not using your air conditioner, turn it off.

Turning your air conditioner off while you sleep may save you a lot of money. Even changing the thermostat before leaving the house (provided no one is home) can save money. In the summer, the temperature should be kept between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooling expenses may be cut by 4% to 8% for every degree when the thermostat is raised.

4. Ensure that your air conditioning vents and units are clean.

The filters, coils, and fins of an air conditioning unit must be cleaned on a regular basis in order for it to work properly. Simply defined, an efficient air conditioner is one that is clean. Routinely replacing or cleaning your air conditioner's filters is the most important piece of maintenance you can do to guarantee maximum efficiency. Filters that are clogged or filthy prevent normal airflow and drastically impair a system's efficiency. Dirt and dirt in the unit might restrict airflow and cause the evaporator to malfunction. Replacing a filthy, clogged filter with a clean one can reduce the energy usage of your air conditioner by 5% to 15%.

5. Switch on the ceiling fan.

A ceiling fan may be used in conjunction with your air conditioner. A ceiling fan will chill the room by around 4 degrees, allowing you to reduce the temperature on the thermostat. If the weather permits, you can even go without air conditioning and only use a fan.

6. Use natural ventilation wherever possible.

Take advantage of chilly evenings or frequent breezes if you live in a climate with them. When it is cool outdoors, open the windows to completely eliminate the need of power.

7. Make sure your home is properly insulated.

When air from the outside enters and conditioned air exits your home through gaps and holes, you have air leakage. Although you may not realize it, this makes ventilating your house more difficult and expensive. Reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your house is a cost-effective approach to lower your cooling costs while also increasing the efficiency of your air conditioning system.

Caulking and weather-stripping are two of the most basic and effective air-sealing procedures that pay off quickly. Weather-stripping is used to seal operational components such as doors and windows, while caulk is used to cover crevices and holes between stationary and fundamental home components, such as around door and window frames.

8. Use curtains and drapes to block the sun.

Window treatments or coverings may help you conserve energy as well as adorn your house. A few well-chosen window coverings may save your home from overheating in the summer sun. Window treatments come in two varieties: blinds and curtains. Blinds can minimize heat input by up to 45 percent when fully drawn down and closed over a window with a lot of sun exposure. You may also limit heat gain by closing curtains on windows that receive direct sunshine throughout the summer. Drapes can cut heat input by up to 33%.

Don't let a hefty power bill ruin your vacation and start saving money and the environment by following these simple steps!