We all dread the same thing during the summer months-opening our energy bill.
Let’s make opening that envelope something we do with confidence! We have everything you need to know about saving money and reducing your energy use this summer! Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to have a few extra bucks to spend on a family vacation instead?
Here are some tips to use energy more wisely for those incredibly hot summer weeks of July and August.
Close windows during the day and keep them open at night to allow the cooler nighttime temperatures to let your home cool naturally. Be sure to keep your air conditioner off while your windows remain open in the evenings.
Rather than having to remember to turn your air conditioner off each evening, consider installing a programmable thermostat to help regulate use throughout the day and while you sleep! During the day, keep your house as high as comfortably possible especially if you’re not home. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall heating and cooling bill will be.
THE MAGIC NUMBER. Did you know there is a magic number for what your thermostat should be at during the summer months? The US Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees C). Raise your thermostat up seven to ten degrees F while you are away, as long as you’re out for more than two hours at a time, and you can save up to 10 percent on cooling costs.
With a programmable thermostat, you can avoid discomfort by having your thermostat return to 78 degrees before you return home.
We’re not talking about sunshades. Close the blinds, shades, and drapes on the sunny sides of your house. The sun shining through your windows produces more heat and increases the work for your air conditioning unit. This also increases your energy bill.
Not only are ceiling fans aesthetically pleasing, but they also help you reduce energy use. According to Energy.Gov, ceiling fans cost 5 cents less per hour to operate and allow you to reduce your temperature by 4 degrees without a reduction in comfort.
Fire up the grill as much as possible this summer. Try to avoid using heat-generating appliances, like the stove or oven, or wait to use them until later in the evening. This reduces the amount of work for your air conditioner and, in the end, reduces your spending!
Get that energy efficient stamp of approval by investing in energy efficient windows and appliances. You will save money in the long run by reducing your spending, especially on your air conditioning bill during the summer months. Learn more about the energy efficient cooling systems we offer at One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning.
Sealing and caulking any gaps or leaks will also help you save up to 10% on your home heating and cooling costs.
Save energy and save money
Now you can open that energy bill with confidence knowing you’ve saved energy and saved money!
About One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning: Serving Loudoun, Fairfax, Northern Virginia and the entire Washington, D.C., region with prompt, punctual, friendly, technically superior home services since 2009, including HVAC repair and replacement, diagnoses and parts, and indoor air-quality analysis. Call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning today at 571-421-1888 or make an appointment at www.ModernMec.com. Please stay connected with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning on our Facebook page at @modernmec to keep up with how you can help us continue to help our community and our world.
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