Want to keep cool without burning through your budget? Saving money on air conditioning is easier than you think. Consistent implementation of small changes into your routine can significantly reduce both your energy consumption and your utility bills.
1. Use fans.
A fan can cool you down by an average of six to seven degrees Fahrenheit on a warm day. You can also use fans to supplement your air conditioner. Turning a fan on will allow you to dial down your air conditioner by approximately four degrees. Always turn your fan off if no one is in the room, to avoid wasting energy.
2. Be economical with temperature settings.
Set your air conditioning temperature as high as possible, while still being in your comfort zone. Many people agree that a comfortable AC temperature is 78 degrees. Adjusting your AC temperature can save you up to 10 percent on your energy bill.
3. Keep your AC in good shape.
Have your air conditioner professionally serviced yearly to keep it running efficiently. Check your air filter every month and swap out the filter at least every three months. If your AC unit has aged, and is not functioning efficiently, purchasing a new unit may pay for itself before long in energy savings.
4. Mitigate heat build up in the home.
Schedule heat producing activities such as dishwashing, showering, running the dryer, or using the oven for early morning or evening if possible. This will lessen heat build up in your home during the hottest parts of the day. Plant trees on your property to shade your windows.
5. Remember: Using less helps the planet, and your bottom line.
The more we run AC, the more electricity we use. More electricity releases more greenhouse gasses, heating the planet, and requiring more AC to stay cool.
Joyce Sullivan has lived in Cameron Station for seven years. She is a retired pediatric occupational therapist who graduated from Boston University, and later from Boston College, with a masters in Developmental and Educational Psychology. Joyce has two grandchildren, with a third on the way, and wants to do all that she can to help the planet – for the benefit of her family and all people.
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