Don’t Lose Your Cool with These 9 Summer Energy Savings Tips
Staying on budget during the summer is not easy. Between all the fun activities for your kids, family vacations, wedding invitations, general expenses, and more, it’s very easy to overspend. The team at Lancaster Brothers Heating and Cooling understands. While we can’t help you save on summer festivities; we can help you save money on your electrical bill and keep your family comfortable.
1. Don’t Turn Off Your Thermostat (Yes, Really!)
This might seem like a good idea when you are trying to save on costs, but while your air conditioner is off, it allows humidity to build up in your home. When you get back home, your system will have to work extra hard to get that humidity out of the air. If you turn off your thermostat, you’ll just feel uncomfortable and sticky. In some cases, excess humidity and heat can lead to mold growth. Keep your thermostat on and choose a cool, comfortable environment when you arrive home.
2. Do Set the Temperature Up a Few Degrees
Setting the temperature up a few degrees can help you air conditioner to work less, while still keeping your home relatively cool. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that you can save as much as 1% on your utility bills for every degree you bump the temperature up if the setback period is at least eight hours.
Not only will your system use less energy to stay at a higher temperature, but it will also keep the humidity level in your home steady. We recommend setting your thermostat up no more than five degrees.
3. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Everyone is a fan of easy. You can easily control the temperature in your home using a programmable thermostat. The best part? You can set it for whatever temperature you’d like and keep it there while you’re gone. An added advantage is that you can program it to lower the temperature a few hours before you return so you home is cool and comfy when you get back from your big break.
Bonus Tip: Be sure not to put lamps, TV sets, or any other appliances that generate heat near your thermostat.
4. Stop Heat-Producing Activities
Don’t do activities or use items that produce a lot of heat. Things like long hot showers and running your clothing dryer. Also, don’t use the oven. You can always use your microwave or stove to cook, grill outside, or eat a cold meal!
5. Use Your Ceiling Fan for Added Cooling
Use your ceiling fan to your advantage. It doesn’t require a lot of energy to operate, but it can really help circulate cool air throughout a room.
Bonus Tip: Don’t bother leaving fans on while you’re gone, the windchill effect only helps while you’re in the room. Also, be sure that it’s spinning counter clockwise.
6. Keep Your Blinds Shut During the Day
Don’t forget to close your blinds when you’re away to keep your home from accumulating heat from the sun (solar gain). You don’t want your AC to work any harder than it has to.
7. Open Windows During Cool Summer Nights
On nights when the humidity isn’t too oppressive and the air has cooled off considerably, open some of your windows to allow cool fresh air to circulate throughout your home. Then make sure to close those windows as soon as you get up in the morning to “trap” last night’s cool air inside.
Bonus tip: Don’t open your windows during the day and let all that cool air your air conditioner has been working so hard to pump through your home out.
8. Plant Shade Trees Near Your Windows
Be good to the environment and your thermostat by planting trees. Planting shade trees is another way to keep sun rays from entering your home. We recommend planting shade trees that have mature branches with large leaves next to windows that take direct sunlight during the day. Not only will these trees shade your windows from the sun, but they will also help absorb some of the heat. Your air conditioning unit can also benefit from proper shading, but be sure to keep debris away from your unit.
9. Tune Up Your Air Conditioner
Lastly, always, ALWAYS, make sure you’ve had an air conditioner tune-up before the summer heat is at its peak. Maintenance is the key to keeping your air conditioner efficient, and preventing untimely breakdowns.
Get Your Special Deal on Lennox Home Comfort Systems
If you think your current air conditioner is on its last leg, we recommend a Lennox Home Comfort System for its high quality and energy efficiency. Call us and we’ll fill you in on the great deals going on with Lennox.