subject: Learn To Save Money With Your Air Conditioning [print this page] Just when you're able to start shutting down that furnace, it appears like it heats up enough to start having your aircon cost money. In the Midwest, unseasonably hot temperatures has had folk using their air-con already. And in several areas, electrical rates are going up. Can you economize on air conditioning?
You can. You just have to be clever about it. While there are frugal folk out there that believe air-con is only a luxury that isn't necessary, I disagree. In numerous parts of the country air-con is not just required, it's essential. Little youngsters and the old have a tricky time cooling down when they get too hot. Heat can be just as devastating as freezing cold, and it can regularly kill faster. So if air con is a requirement for you, go on and turn it on. There are more places you can skimp. There also are some steps you can take to chop your bill.
First, when you're purchasing a window air conditioner, consider the dimensions of the room you are placing it in. You do not have to buy the most important air conditioner they sell, if the room isn't that large. Having too tiny or too large a unit causes the unit to work harder than it has got to and will cost more in the end. Look for units that are efficient ( a rating of eleven or higher ) and good brands -- they'll last you longer.
If you want to replace your central air-con unit, make certain that you look for a SEER ( seasonal energy conservation proportion ) of thirteen or better. A less efficient system will cost you more to run. High efficiency appliances do cost more, but in the end, it is actually worth the decrease in electricity charges.
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.
Consider the placement of your air conditioner. It will not have to work as hard if it is found in a shady place with lots of room to vent heat. Don't plant plants or put up fencing too closely, you might impede its performance. Were you aware that a little gardening can help to save you up to thirty percent on your cooling costs? Plant shady trees and plants around your home, particularly on the west and south sides. This is going to help scale back the direct sun that heats up your house. You may close the drapes on the bright side of the house to dam 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.
