Spring into Savings with These Energy Saving Tips
March 20, 2020
The spring season calls for warmer weather and another wave of energy bills. Since your air conditioning system will be working hard to keep your home comfortable, it’s a good idea to keep in mind how much energy you’re using and ways you can reduce your home’s consumption of energy. Start with these tips to cut back on energy consumption and maintain a reasonable energy bill as it warms up this spring.
Install a programmable thermostat.
According to the Department of Energy, using a programmable thermostat in your home can save about 10% on your heating and cooling costs. A programmable thermostat makes it easy set temperatures in your home based on the time of the day. That way you don’t have to remember to turn off or down your AC every time you leave for work, and you can set your thermostat at a reasonable temperature if you have pets at home.
Utilize the fresh air outside to keep your home cool.
If you are able to open your windows and doors, having them all open at once is a great way to create a cross breeze through your home when the weather permits. When temperatures cool off at night, you can open your windows, so you don’t have to use your AC. Close them in the morning to trap the cool air inside for the whole day.
Switch out old light bulbs for energy saving bulbs.
The Department of Energy estimates that replacing the bulbs in the light fixtures you use most frequently with energy saving light bulbs can save you up to $75 a year in energy costs. Energy saving bulbs also generate less heat than other types of lighting, reducing the amount of heat in your home and making it easier for your AC to cool the space. They last longer, too!
Use a power strip for excess appliances and chargers.
A power strip with surge protection is great for minimizing the risk of an electrical fire. Another great benefit is it’s great for reducing the amount of energy you use! According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to $100 a year by plugging appliances and chargers into a power strip and turning the strip off when you’re not using those devices.
Replace air filters regularly and have your systems maintained by a professional.
It might be obvious that air filters help filter the air circulating in your home and can directly affect how cool your air is and how hard your HVAC system has to work, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to remember when you need to replace your air filter. Schedule air filter changes like you would other reminders, and that way you’ll always be sure that your AC is running at peak efficiency.
Use your ceiling fans to supplement your AC.
Ceiling fans don’t use at much energy as air conditioners do. When you can, use your ceiling fans to cool the room that you’re in so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a cool temperature throughout the entire home. Even if you still need to use your AC to help cool the space, you won’t have to set the temperature on your thermostat as low since your ceiling fans are taking some of the load off.
Cook outside on the grill.
Aside from the great flavor that comes with grilling, cooking outdoors limits the amount of heat that can get trapped in your home. Plus, your AC won’t have to work overtime to cool the space again when you cook outside.
Keeping your energy bill down is easy with these tips on how to limit your energy use. Having a working AC is half the battle, so call Mohr AC for a maintenance check on your system. Call today because the spring heat is approaching fast!