It’s Possible with These Simple Tips!
Most of us don’t usually connect running our air conditioners with saving energy and money. We’re just trying to beat the heat and stay comfortable during these hot summer months.
But, did you know there are certain things you can do when running your A/C that can actually help to save energy? As a result, you can even lower your utility bills. It’s a win for the environment, and for your wallet!
The best part?
You don’t have to give up on that comforting, cooling sensation!
Put these tips into practice on the hottest days of the season, and you’ll be doing your part to conserve energy all summer long.
Keep it Consistent
Once you turn your air conditioning unit on for the season, leave it on. Decide on a cool temperature you can live with, and have the unit kick on when your home goes above that temperature. Constantly turning the A/C on and off when the temperature outside rises and falls uses more energy.
Additionally, adjusting the temperature inside uses extra energy, too! It will take longer to get your whole house to that ‘new’ desired temperature. So, it’s best to decide on something comfortable and leave it there.
Go Digital
Many homes still use older thermostats. Unfortunately, these are inefficient and don’t always give you accurate readings. By switching over to a digital thermostat, you can be sure your A/C unit will give you the exact desired temperature.
Many digital thermostats are also programmable. You can save energy by having ‘night’ and ‘day’ settings. This will give your unit a break at night when the temperatures are naturally cooler. Switching to a digital thermometer is a one-time investment, but it can save you money on your utility bills in the long run.
Clean the Unit
Keeping your A/C unit clean and free from debris will help it to run more efficiently. You can do this yourself each year simply by brushing or vacuuming away any debris around it. Or, you can hire an HVAC technician to come to your home. They’ll do a more thorough inspection, clean the unit, and make sure it’s running smoothly. This will help to ensure even cooling throughout the summer so you’re not wasting energy.
Close Your Blinds
While this isn’t a tip that can be used on the A/C unit itself, it can certainly help you in getting the most out of the cool air being pumped out. On hot days, keep the blinds or curtains in your house closed. This will keep the sun from heating up your house, so your air doesn’t have to run constantly.
Keeping your blinds closed will also stop the cold air from seeping out, so that precious energy (and your hard-earned money!) isn’t simply floating out the window.
It’s time to change the way we see air conditioning units. They don’t have to be energy-guzzling machines, and you don’t have to feel guilty about using one – if you use it the right way!
You can still stay cool this summer and make a few positive changes for the environment. The best part? Most of these tips you can start putting into place right away!