Florida’s heat in the summertime is no joke! While the season’s approach brings the promise of more beach time and extended daylight, it also means you’re probably going to see an increase in your air conditioning bill. This increase may not be entirely avoidable, but there are some energy efficiency tips and tricks you can try to offset your energy use as much as you can – while still remaining comfortable.
Raise Your Cool Setting
Increasing the temperature at which your AC unit turns on by even just a couple of degrees can significantly impact your system’s electricity usage. Data collected by the US Dept. of Energy shows that for every degree above 72 that you set your thermostat, you will save around 3% of the expenses spent on cooling. Programmable thermostats come in handy because they can allow the temperature to rise while you are out of the house for the day but have the AC kick back on to lower the temperature by the time you return later. Keep in mind the comfort of your pets if you do this – temperatures above 78 degrees indoors become uncomfortable for most dogs. They can even be dangerous if they do not have enough available water.
Wash with Cold Water
Washing your clothes with cold water offsets some electric costs because the water heater isn’t required. Making this an everyday practice can save you a few hundred dollars in electric costs over the year – savings you can then put toward your AC expenses.
Make Sure Your Home is Sealed
The heat from outside will seep into your home wherever it can. It is an excellent practice to go through your home and ensure all windows and seams have proper seals to prevent the cool air from escaping or allowing hot air in. You can also use blinds or curtains to cover windows during the hottest hours of the day as well. Even if no hot air is entering, the intensified sunlight that shines through a window (especially south-facing windows) can make that room much warmer than the rest of the house.
Go Out for Dinner
Have you been looking for an excuse to go to a restaurant instead of cooking? Now you have one! Using the oven or stovetop in the summer will make the kitchen up to 10 degrees warmer, meaning your AC unit has to go to work returning the room to your set temperature. It’s a good idea to opt for meals that don’t require a lot of cooking during the summer, like salads, tacos, or chilled pasta dishes. For cooking meat, consider grilling outdoors so that you don’t affect the indoor temperature. This is one of those energy efficiency tips that you can really sink your teeth into!
Upgrade Your AC
Though this is an investment, upgrading your old AC unit can make a big difference in how well-cooled your home stays during the summer. You’ll see savings over time as the unit doesn’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature for you.
Old School Fans Work Too
Though they don’t actually lower the temperature, fans help create movement in the air, making the room feel a bit cooler than when the air sits stagnant. Before turning the thermostat down, try turning a fan on first.
Many factors can impact your energy costs, and conducting a comprehensive electrical inspection is a great place to start. Call Promise Electric today to learn more.
