6 Ways to Drastically Reduce Cooling Costs
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Summer is here and as the temperature rises, you can guarantee those utility bills will raise right along with it. If you are looking to add a little extra padding in your budget one great way is to look for ways to reduce cooling costs. I have some simple and inexpensive ways to help you keep your house a little more comfortable and your budget a little more manageable.
Adjust Your Thermostat: Lower your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home, allowing it to rise 3-5 degrees when you are gone and while you are sleeping. Allowing your thermostat to rise during these times will save you anywhere from 5-15% each month on your bill. You can also find a great selection of programmable thermostats that will automatically do this for you during times you set based on your schedule.
Plant Trees & Shading Landscaping: In the evening hours that hot sun shining in the windows will quickly heat up a house. Plant shade trees and landscaping around your home to provide a barrier and stop the sun from heating up your home. Don’t forget to shade your air-conditioning unit, keeping that cool allows it to run more efficiently and reduce your bill up to 10% each month. If you can afford it purchase trees around 15-20 feet in height so that you can start feeling the benefits right away.
Install Window Film: Installing a reflective window film will work to keep your home much cooler, especially if you put it on the east and west facing windows. This is a low cost solution and will allow you to start seeing the savings right away. I know it may not be the prettiest option however it will reflect up to 70% of the rays that heat up your house. Also be sure to close your blinds and window shades.
Use Your Basement: If you have a basement your home will naturally be cooler since heat rises so take advantage of it and hang out in your basement. This will allow you to keep the upper levels set at a higher temperature, thereby saving you money.
Skip using the Oven and Stove: Skip cooking on the stove and baking in the oven as this is only going to make your house warmer. Instead take advantage of using your crockpot or microwave. If for some reason you must use your stove try and do it later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
Maintain Your Cooling System: If you do not maintain your air conditioner, doing all the steps above will not make much difference in lowering your bill. In order for your cooling system to work at its peak be sure to clean or replace dirty air filters and ensure your floor registers are not blocked with furniture. Be sure to keep your outside unit clean and be sure landscaping is about 2 feet from the unit so it has room to circulate the air correctly.
What are some ways you and your family reduce cooling costs and beat the summer heat?
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