When the temperature outside your home rises, chances are your electricity bill may as well. Like most homeowners, you don’t want to swelter inside your own residence, but you also don’t want to shell out more money during the summer months running your air conditioner to stay cool. When the weather heats up, use these simple tips to reduce cooling costs.
How to Reduce Cooling Costs This Summer
- Use a programmable thermostat – By increasing your home’s temperature when you’re gone during the day, you can shave up to one percent off of your energy bill for every degree you raise the temperature.
- Don’t set the thermostat too low – The highest comfortable setting—ideally 78 degrees or higher—is best, as the closer the indoor and outdoor temperatures are, the lower your cooling bill will be.
- Use ceiling fans – Fans are less expensive to run than air conditioners. Turning your ceiling fan on while your air conditioner is running will reduce cooling costs by allowing you to raise the thermostat by up to four degrees without feeling warmer.
- Avoid heat buildup – Turn indoor lights off during the day and air dry clothing and dishes to avoid the heat generated from clothes dryers and dishwashers. Use an outdoor grill or microwave for cooking.
- Lower the shades – Pulling the shades down or drawing the curtains on hot, sunny days means your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep your house cool.
- Perform monthly HVAC maintenance – Clean or replace the air filters regularly so your system won’t have to work as hard. Keep the exterior coils free of dirt, leaves and debris.
- Keep your windows closed – Keeping your windows closed, even at night, will reduce the humidity build up and result in cooler, drier air indoors.
- Schedule regular maintenance – Have an HVAC system inspection performed by a professional, certified technician to keep your unit working properly and to avoid costly repairs.
For more information about how to keep your home cool and comfortable when the outdoor temperature soars, contact the greater Cleveland area home comfort experts at Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing.
Credit/Copyright Attribution: “martan/Shutterstock”
The post 8 Tips for Keeping Cooling Costs Low in Cleveland This Summer appeared first on Geisel Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing.
