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Save On Air
Conditioning Costs!
If Just when you are able to start
shutting off that furnace, it seems as if it warms up enough to
start having your air conditioning cost you money. In the Midwest,
unseasonably warm weather has had people using their air
conditioning already. And in many areas, electric rates are going
up. Can you save money on air conditioning?
You can. You simply have to be smart about it. While there are
frugal people out there that believe air conditioning is purely a
luxury that isn't necessary, I disagree. In many parts of the
country air conditioning isn't just necessary, it is vital. Small
children and the elderly have a hard time cooling off when they get
too hot. Heat can be just as deadly as freezing cold, and it can
often kill much faster.
So if air conditioning is a necessity for you, go ahead and turn it
on. There are other places you can skimp. There are also some steps
you can take to cut your bill.
First, when you are buying a window air conditioner, consider the
size of the room you are putting it in. You don't have to buy the
biggest air conditioner they sell, if the room isn't that big.
Having too small or too big a unit causes the unit to work harder
than it has to and will cost you more in the long run. Look for
units that are energy efficient (a rating of 11 or higher) and good
brands -- they will last you longer.
If you need to replace your central air conditioning unit, make sure
that you look for a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) of 13 or
better. A less efficient system will cost you more to run. High
efficiency appliances do cost you more, but in the long run, it is
worth the reduction in electricity bills.
Take care of your unit. Have you ever tried to breathe through a
straw for an extended period of time. You know how much that takes.
That is what an air conditioner goes through when its filter is
clogged up. Replace or clean the filter monthly during the summer
and have your central air conditioning serviced at the end of each
winter. If you have a window unit, make sure you follow the
manufacturer's instructions for winterizing the unit. You may need
to cover it or remove it during the cold months.
Your air conditioning is one of the biggest energy monsters in your
home. If you have an old air conditioner, it may be worth it to have
it replaced with a newer, more efficient system. The cost should pay
you back in a few years if you are replacing a unit over 10 years
old.
Take the time to install a programmable thermostat so that you can
set the temperature to adjust on its own. Have the thermostat at 78
degrees when you are home and 85 degrees when you will be gone for
several hours.
Think about the placement of your air conditioner. It won't have to
work as hard if it is located in a shady spot with plenty of room to
vent heat. Don't plant shrubs or put up fencing too closely, you
could hinder its performance.
Did you know that a little gardening can save you up to 30% on your
cooling costs? Plant shady trees and shrubs around your house,
especially on the west and south sides. This will help reduce the
direct sun that warms up your home. You can also close the drapes on
the sunny side of the house to block the sun.
If you have large windows on the sunniest side of your home,
consider installing awnings for shade. You can also paint your house
a lighter color that will reflect the sun's heat, instead of
absorbing it.
Leaks can suck the warmth and the cool from your home. Seal off the
places were utilities come into your home. Stop any potential drafts
under doors and around windows with weatherstripping. Fill the gaps
around your chimney. Consider replacing your windows with new,
energy efficient windows.
Make sure that your attic is properly ventilated. Thirty percent of
the heat in your house is absorbed through the roof. An attic fan
can reduce your cooling costs and get the air in your home moving
around.
Ceiling fans may not be a designer's dream, but they can make your
home cooler. Using a ceiling fan can allow you to set your
thermostat 5 degrees higher, which reduces your cooling costs.
Running the fan doesn't lower the temperature, the moving air lowers
your perception of what the temperature really is.
You can also save on your air conditioning by turning things off.
Lights create heat, so turn them off when they aren't in use. Your
computer creates heat, so don't leave it running. Use a crockpot or
microwave to cook dinner so that you don't heat up the kitchen with
your stove and oven.
There are many ways to stay cool during the summer. If you stay home
all day, consider taking a day trip to the mall or to the library to
reduce the need for cooling. Do all housework early in the morning
or late in the evening when it is cooler out. Drink plenty of water
and stay hydrated. And stay cool.
If you are interested in more, please
check out our
Annual Preventative Maintenance
Program
and you won't have to worry about at thing. |
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