Running the air conditioning, fans, and more, during the summer also runs up energy bills. Aside from the cost, people are trying to be more conscious of energy usage and become better stewards of the environment.
So, if there were some simple ways to save energy during the summer, would you try them?
Check out these tips:
First, examine the layout of the furniture in each room. Are any vents being blocked (even partially blocked)? Adjust the furniture if necessary. If your kitchen or dining table sits directly above a vent but can’t be moved anywhere else, use a small, energy efficient fan to help circulate the cool air. A fan will use less energy than running the air conditioner more or on a higher setting in an attempt to lower the overall temperature of the room.
Also, check to make sure that lighting, electronics, and appliances aren’t too close to the thermostat. Lights and other items give off heat, especially when running, and this can fool the thermostat into thinking that the overall temperature is warmer than it really is. This will cause the air conditioning to kick on more often and run more than it needs to do, thus increasing energy usage and energy bills.
If you have a window near the thermostat, it may pay to close the drapes, or at least close them part way to keep sunlight from affecting the thermostat. You might consider window film as well. Tinted film, especially removable, reusable options, can be a great help. They’ll still allow enough light in to avoid turning on a light, but they’ll help decrease the heat created by it (then, in cooler months you can remove the film to get the benefit of that heat).
Also, consider installing a “smart” thermostat that will allow you to automatically set the temperature for certain times of day. If you can’t install one right now, try to get in the habit of turning down the AC when you won’t be at home, or in the evening after the sun goes down. While it may still be warm, most people aren’t as active in the later hours, and don’t need quite as much air conditioning. Every little bit helps!