
Remember last winter when we looked at the thermometer and wished for warmer temperatures? It looks like our wish was granted. Despite our rainy, cool spring, this summer is shaping up to be sunny and hot in Adrian and elsewhere in southeast Michigan. Does that mean your energy bills will skyrocket from air conditioning use? Maybe not, if you follow these 10 easy tips to keep cool and save money on air conditioning.
Inside Your House
1. Mind the drapes – and the furniture. It may be hard to shut out the view on a sunny day, but by closing the curtains – especially those on the sunny side of the house – you’ll help keep your house cool. Speaking of curtains, make sure the curtains and furniture are not obstructing the cooled air coming from vents. Are there rooms you’re not using? Close the doors to those rooms as well as any heating/cooling ducts inside.
2. Keep cool in the kitchen. Cook on your outdoor grill as often as possible, or use a crockpot or microwave oven. After dinner, stay cool by using the ‘air dry’ setting on your dishwasher.
3. Install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans alone are enough to cool rooms efficiently on warm days. But when Mother Nature turns up the heat, you can use them in combination with your air conditioner. Using the ceiling fans at the same time allows you to raise the thermostat setting by 5 degrees, so your air conditioner will run less often and you’ll reduce energy costs.
4. Turn off the lights when you leave the room. Lights produce heat, which makes your air conditioning system work harder (and cost more). If you haven’t already, switch to CFL or LED bulbs, which produce less heat. Your computer and other home office equipment also generate heat, so turn them off when not in use.
5. Tech-up your thermostat. Install a programmable thermostat so you can vary the temperature according to when you’re home. Set it to 78 degrees when you’re home. If you’ll be gone for more than a few hours, it makes sense to set the air conditioning at 85 degrees during that time – unless you have pets. They need to stay cool, too.
Outside Your House
6. Look for leaks. Sealing up air leaks in your house will reduce your air conditioning costs as well as heating costs. Caulk or seal places where utilities come into your home (plumbing, electricity, dryer vents, etc.). Fill gaps around chimneys, and add weather stripping around drafty windows and doors.
7. Go a little greener. Plant shade trees and shrubs around your house to help reduce the heat of the sun, especially on the west and south sides. This can reduce your cooling costs by up to 30%.
8. Air out your attic. 30% of the heat in your house is absorbed through the roof. Make sure your attic is properly ventilated. Vents in the eaves allows cooler air to enter, and a ridge vent or an attic fan can significantly reduce your cooling costs.
On Your Air Conditioner
9. Give your air conditioner some shade. Make sure your air conditioning condenser is located in a shady spot and has room to dispose of the heated air it removes from your house. But don’t crowd it with shrubs, outdoor furniture, or anything else that can block airflow.
10. Perform regular maintenance on your air conditioning unit. Replace the filter monthly during the cooling season, and have a professional, reputable HVAC service inspect your system at the beginning of each cooling season.
Need repairs on your air conditioner? If you’re in Adrian, southeast Michigan, or northwest Ohio, contact Blissfield Heating and Plumbing or give us a call at (517) 486-3575. Our team of professionals can help. Contact us today!
8593 E US Hwy 223
Blissfield, MI 49228
Phone: (517) 486-3575
Social Media: Facebook | Google+