How to Keep Your Cooling Costs Down

0 Comment(s) Posted July 25, 2012 at 5:05pm

Hard to believe July is almost over – if you’re not looking for relief from the record-breaking heat we’ve had, you’re probably at least looking for relief from your high energy bills! As you’ve probably realized, your energy bills are seasonal – and they’re probably spiking now! Fortunately, there are a number of easy things you can do to save a little money here and there – easy things that can add up to substantial savings!

Install a Programmable Thermostat

It’s not uncommon for people to try and save energy by turning off the AC when they leave the house. While this can help, it doesn’t do much if you come home and crank the AC down to 65 F! Instead, install a programmable thermostat that will allow you to preset different temperatures for different times of day. Click here to read more about programmable thermostats.

And don’t forget – setting the thermostat super low won’t help your home cool off faster!

Be Careful With Those Appliances

While your air conditioner is unquestionably the biggest power draw in your house during the summer, you shouldn’t discount the effects of all your other appliances! Set the refrigerator temperature somewhere between 38 and 42 degrees, and keep the freezer around zero to five degrees. If your fridge has a power-save switch, make sure you keep it turned on. Finally, make sure the door seals properly. To test this, close the door on a piece of paper and try to slide the paper out. If it comes out easily, you should think about replacing the gaskets on the doors.

While forgoing the stove and oven in favor of the grill is the best way you can keep cooking costs down in the summer, that’s not always reasonable. The next best thing to do is take care to not preheat for longer than necessary and avoid opening the oven more often than necessary. Try to use cold water in the dishwasher and washing machine when possible, and air dry clothes and dishes. Finally, use fans to improve the efficiency of your air conditioner.

Unplug Your Electronics

Did you know? A lot of times, turning off your electronics doesn’t stop them from using power. This is especially true with batteries that charge – if they’re plugged in, they’re drawing power! It’s called “vampire power” and it can cost you a bunch of money. Next time you unplug your phone, make sure you pull the cord out of the wall.

Keep Your Equipment in Good Shape

Did you know that the biggest cause of air conditioner inefficiency is dirt? If your compressor gets dirty, it stops working as well – hose it off every now and then to keep it spry! While you’re at it, change your air filters monthly, especially now that you’re probably running your AC all day. Finally,  have at least one air conditioner inspection to make sure your unit is operating in top condition!