There are a number of small changes you can make around your house during the summer to stay cool and keep your air conditioning bill under control at the same time. They are worth taking the time to do because air conditioning consumes a lot of energy and can really drive up your costs if you don’t conserve.
Here are some simple ways to control your costs:
- Keep the temperature a little higher.
Set your thermostat as high as you can while still keeping your family members from declaring mutiny. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat at 78 degrees during the summer. This will make a big difference in helping you save energy – and costs. That’s because the closer the temperature inside is to the temperature outside, the easier it is for your air conditioner.
If, on the other hand, you like to keep your house like an icebox, you will really drive up your energy costs because you will make your air conditioning system work all the harder to get the temperature down to where you want it.
Also, if you leave the house for an extended period of time, or when you go to bed, turn up the thermostat to save energy. The Energy Department recommends setting it about 10 degrees higher than where you usually have it.
You can also invest in a programmable thermostat, which will automatically set the temperature at certain times after it has been programmed.
- Keep an eye out for leaks.
You should check around your doors and windows to make sure cold air is not escaping around cracks or other openings. Also make sure your attic space is well insulated.
There are several ways to check for leaks. One way is to simply go outside and run your hand around the edges of windows and doors to see if you feel any cold air. If you do, caulk the area of the leak or add insulation. Another way to check is by using a candle. Hold it near a door or window, and if you see the smoke moving sideways, you know there is air escaping somewhere. Finally, another way of checking is to have your utility company do an energy audit of your house.
- Blinds and fans.
These are two very simple ways to stay cool and reduce energy costs. Simply by closing the blinds, you block out the sunlight and heat. Fans do not cool the air, but by circulating it, the air feels cooler to you. A ceiling fan can actually make a room feel 10 degrees cooler, at one-tenth of the cost of air conditioning.
Dallas summers are notorious for their heat and humidity. Fight back against high AC costs by following the tips above and by calling upon Rescue Air and Plumbing to check out your unit to make sure it’s working at peak efficiency. Contact us at (972) 201-3253 for an appointment.