5 years ago, I got laid off. This was the peak of the recession, and many people were in the same boat. Although being out of work was dreadful, one of the greatest shocks that I got showed up in the form of the electrical energy expenses that we got throughout the summer season. I really did not know how much air conditioning cost. Additionally, I was home all the time so I had the device running more than when I was at work. We just didn't have enough cash to deal with such massive costs for the whole summer. So I developed a strategy to minimize my household's utility costs while I was out of work. Here are the steps that we took.
Suggestion # 1: First of all, make certain that you keep your garage door closed during the day. An open garage can get unbearably hot. This can require your air conditioner to work even harder when chilling your house. In addition to trying to keep the heat out, make certain that you keep the cool air in. In particular, seal up any breezy windows that might be letting the cool air out.
Tip # 2: See to it there are no pieces of furniture or other things around the thermostat for your central air conditioner. Also, make sure that there are no plugs, power cords, or lamps near the thermostat. Thermostats can pick up on the heat from these items and run much longer than they need to.
Idea # 3: Speaking of thermostats, it is very good strategy to invest in a programmable thermostat. These are inexpensive little gizmos that permit you to set the time that you want the ac system to switch on or to shut off. If your whole household is at work or class throughout the day, you can merely set the thermostat to switch on just before everyone gets home. This spares you the cost of running the ac unit all day, but it also guarantees that your household returns to a colder home.
Tip # 4: Have a look at your lawn. In particular, examine the external compressor for your ac system. If possible, it is best if the compressor sits in the shade. This can be accomplished by planting shrubs or trees near the unit. By some estimates, an air conditioner that sits in the direct sun is 15 % less effective than one in the shade. Make certain that you clean off any dirt, grass, or leaves that may fall into the compressor.
Pointer # 5: Do a yearly examination of your air conditioner. Find a trusted and professional A/C technician to examine your system. While central air conditioners are designed to last for a long time, they will not last for life. If your unit is significantly ineffective, it might be costing you a lot of cash in wasted electrical power. These days, there are numerous energy-efficient a/c systems on sale. Look for one that comes with an Energy Star score since these are the most reliable devices. You might likewise think about switching over to a split a/c. These are the most effective systems readily available today.
Suggestion # 1: First of all, make certain that you keep your garage door closed during the day. An open garage can get unbearably hot. This can require your air conditioner to work even harder when chilling your house. In addition to trying to keep the heat out, make certain that you keep the cool air in. In particular, seal up any breezy windows that might be letting the cool air out.
Tip # 2: See to it there are no pieces of furniture or other things around the thermostat for your central air conditioner. Also, make sure that there are no plugs, power cords, or lamps near the thermostat. Thermostats can pick up on the heat from these items and run much longer than they need to.
Idea # 3: Speaking of thermostats, it is very good strategy to invest in a programmable thermostat. These are inexpensive little gizmos that permit you to set the time that you want the ac system to switch on or to shut off. If your whole household is at work or class throughout the day, you can merely set the thermostat to switch on just before everyone gets home. This spares you the cost of running the ac unit all day, but it also guarantees that your household returns to a colder home.
Tip # 4: Have a look at your lawn. In particular, examine the external compressor for your ac system. If possible, it is best if the compressor sits in the shade. This can be accomplished by planting shrubs or trees near the unit. By some estimates, an air conditioner that sits in the direct sun is 15 % less effective than one in the shade. Make certain that you clean off any dirt, grass, or leaves that may fall into the compressor.
Pointer # 5: Do a yearly examination of your air conditioner. Find a trusted and professional A/C technician to examine your system. While central air conditioners are designed to last for a long time, they will not last for life. If your unit is significantly ineffective, it might be costing you a lot of cash in wasted electrical power. These days, there are numerous energy-efficient a/c systems on sale. Look for one that comes with an Energy Star score since these are the most reliable devices. You might likewise think about switching over to a split a/c. These are the most effective systems readily available today.
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Before you invest in a new air conditioner, check out our reviews: Portable Air Conditioners and AC for Health.. This article, 5 Ways To Save Money On Your Energy Costs This Summer is available for free reprint.