In summer we run our air conditioner all the time and in this pandemic situation, where everyone spends most of their time in the house, the electricity bills can be a huge problem. According to federal energy forecasts as a result of the stay-at-home orders, weather-adjusted residential electricity consumption is likely to increase in the near term, in contrast to the effects on the commercial and industrial sectors. EIA assumes, in particular, that household usage of electronic equipment such as computers and televisions will increase. Other uses of electricity, such as for cooking and for heating water, may also rise. Household use of air conditioning during the summer months is also likely to be higher than normal as more people stay home.
So we need ways to cut the cost of cooling your home without busting your budget. Here are 8 tips that you can follow:
1. Cover your windows
Yeah, with this easy trick you can prevent entering sunlight. On summer days, about 76 percent of sunlight on windows enters in the form of heat. Solar screens, or mesh-like window screens, can intercept the energy before it gets into the house.
2. Cover up your AC unit
If your AC is outside right in front of the sun, it’s not going to run as well as if it were in a shaded area. You can also use a canopy or other form of cover to keep it from overheating.
3. Set your thermostat right
Set the thermostat between 78 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home and up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you are away. For every degree you set your thermostat above 80 degrees, you can save approximately 2 to 3% on cooling costs. And if you can’t always look after it, it’s better to use a smart thermostat. They can help you in your way to having a low-cost energy bill.
4. Clean your air conditioner filter
A clogged or dirty filter blocks airflow and reduces the efficiency of the unit. It is necessary for a well-maintained system that saves you money in the long run.
5. Leave most of the air vents open in your home
Closing air vents in more than 10% of your total conditioned space creates a pressure imbalance and reduces the effectiveness of your cooling system.
6. Rearrange your furniture
If you search in search engine you can see tips that help you to arrange your furniture in the best way so you can cool down your room or house.
7. Don’t forget the fan
Fans are useful tools for maximizing the reach of cool air from your AC. Strategically placing a few around your home can be helpful in the low-cost bills.
8. Check out your air conditioner regularly
In the end, you should always remember that your AC needs annual service. In this way, you can always have a well-maintained system and your money will be in your pocket.