Hot sweltering temperatures are here for a few months and air conditioners are running almost constantly it seems. If you are in an area where the temperatures are high, then you know the feeling. Cooling systems get a work out which uses energy. But, there are some tips that you can use in order to keep your cooling costs low. Here they are in no particular order.
Have your heating/cooling system checked regularly. A system that runs at peak efficiency saves money by not having to over-work to create the same temperature differences that it was meant to be able to do. Saving money includes equipment that runs well.
Use ceiling fans. If you do not have ceiling fans, get them. They help move the air around which keeps the indoor air from becoming stagnant and stale. If you keep your fans on the medium setting with the fan direction of pulling air up from the floor, you even out the temperature of the room and keep it at a comfortable level which keeps your system from having to cycle as much. Do this in multiple rooms and you will notice a difference and you might even be able to turn your thermostat setting up a notch or two which will help save even more.
Block the sun’s rays. Pull the drapes or shades in order to keep direct sunlight out of a room. This will help keep heat from being generated by the sun’s rays which will raise the temperature of your house.
Insulate your house. If you have an older house, the chances are good that the outside walls do not have good insulation in them. Have this checked and then add blown-in cellulous insulation which will help you save money by keeping the exterior temperatures from affected the interior temperatures.
Live with some discomfort. Most of us can tolerate temperature extremes more than we like to admit. In the winter, it is easy just to put on more clothing. In the summer, you have to focus on wearing light clothing that breathes easily. Also, using fans helps keep you cooler because of the effect of the air on your skin. Drink lots of cold water as well.
These tips can help you save in small increments which, when added together, can mean many dollars at the end of the year. Keeping cool in the summer need not be expensive, but you must pay attention to it so that you do not use energy in a wasteful manner.