How to Keep Cool This Summer without Spending a Fortune on Air Conditioning
We’ve already had a lot of hot days so far this summer in New York, and there’s still quite a bit of the season left to go! The easiest way to stay cool is to stay inside in the air conditioning and only go out when it’s absolutely necessary. But excessive A/C use can really run up your electrical bill higher than ever before.
Here are some tips from Central Plumbing Specialties to help you have a cool and affordable summer that doesn’t drain your budget for fun and adventure.
Make the Most of Fans
Whether it’s a box fan, ceiling fan, or oscillating fan, fans can make a big difference in how cool a room feels on a hot day. Fans create a great breeze throughout the house, they are affordable, and they can help you raise your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
Close Curtains and Blinds
Another one of our saving money tips for summer is to close your curtains and blinds to prevent excess heat and sunlight from coming inside. This is a good way to trap your cool air-conditioned air inside, especially if you have south-facing windows.
Fix Cracks in Your House
If you have cracks or holes in your house, valuable air conditioning could be escaping without you even realizing it. Do a monthly inspection of your home to look for any damage that might be contributing to high air conditioning bills.
Avoid the Oven on Hot Days
Even if you love to cook and bake, do your best to avoid using the oven on the hottest summer days. When it’s time to prepare meals in the kitchen, opt for using the microwave or the grill outside instead.
Schedule Regular Air Conditioning Maintenance
Air conditioners become strained with constant use during the hottest days of summer, which is why regularly scheduled air conditioner maintenance is so important. Heating and cooling experts recommend having your unit inspected once a year to make sure it is operating in the most efficient way possible.
Limit Daytime Use of Large Appliances
You can also apply saving money tips for summer in the utility room of your home by limiting the usage of your washer and dryer. Large appliances use a lot of heat, so save loads of laundry until the evening so that your air conditioner doesn’t have to make up for the excess heat these appliances create.
Don’t Wash with Hot Water
Another summer energy saving tip related to laundry is to skip the hot water option and choose cold or warm water instead. Most of the energy that a washing machine uses is from heating water, so you can save energy and help reduce the temperature of your home by using cooler water for all cycles.
Use LED Bulbs
Lighting fixtures in your home can also contribute to unwanted heat, so another one of our summer energy saving tips is to switch from incandescent bulbs to LED light bulbs. These eco-friendly lighting solutions typically use about 75 less energy and last approximately 50 times longer than incandescent bulbs, which means you will save money over time on your electricity bill and for the costs of bulb replacement.
Replace Your Windows
Older windows often allow cool air-conditioned air to seep out and make your home cooling system less efficient. In addition to scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance, you might also want to consider upgrading your windows to prevent air leaks and drafts. This upgrade can be a costly one initially, but it can also save you a significant amount of money in the long-run.