Summer Energy Saving Tips for Lower Cooling Costs
As the summer starts creeping in, it’s a good idea to start taking proactive measures to reduce your cooling costs. On average, air conditioners make up 44% of the average American’s utility bills. So, getting those numbers down can save you significantly month to month.
Even though we don't use our AC systems as much in the cool and rainy Pacific Northwest, we still prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency. This guide will share 10 HVAC efficiency tips to keep cooling costs down this summer and make your home more energy-efficient!
Optimize Your Thermostat Settings
The U.S. Department of Energy says the best summer setting for your air conditioning units is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. With the proper settings, you can save up to 10% on your energy bills over the course of the year.
If you have a programmable thermostat, there are a few things you can do to cut back on your energy use, including:
Don’t keep your AC running when no one is home
Set the temperature a bit higher at night
Avoid extreme temperature adjustments during the day
Utilize Fans and Ventilation
While ceiling fans don't actually cool the air, they create a wind-chill effect that makes it feel six or seven degrees cooler. Here are a few tips for running your fan most effectively:
Keep your fan spinning counter-clockwise in the summer months will push cool air toward you.
If you have a standing fan, place it facing the opposite wall from where the majority of activity is taking place.
Place small fans in your window to bring cooler air in from outside and help decrease summer cooling costs.
Fans can also help optimize air circulation, keeping your home cool and maintaining healthier air quality.
Keep Windows and Doors Closed
We always recommend homeowners keep their windows and doors closed if the outside temperature is higher than in the home. This prevents additional heat from getting in the home. If you live in an old building, you may need to use caulking and weatherstripping. This can seal off any potential leaks, especially around the floor and ceilings.
On warm days, close the drapes on your windows to reduce interior heat gain by around 33% and lower summer energy bills.
Related Article: Common Summer AC Problems and How to Prevent Them
Insulate and Seal Your Home
Proper insulation often equates to a cooler and more comfortable home, as it provides heat flow resistance.
There are endless ways to insulate your attic, walls, and floors. If you’re serious about maintaining the most energy-efficient home possible, we recommend looking for insulation with a high R-value such as mineral wool insulation.
Beyond insulation, make sure you’ve sealed off any air leaks in your ducts using metal tape or mastic sealant. Many homeowners us duct tape and we don’t recommend it, as it will not do the job in the long run.
Maintain Your AC System
Your air conditioning systems need routine maintenance for longevity, just like your car. There’s no better way to keep it performing at its best while saving you from shelling out thousands in repairs later on.
Here are a few DIY maintenance tasks you can do today:
Clean Your Filters: Check and clean your air filter every 1-3 months. If it’s extremely dirty, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Check Refrigerant Levels: Your AC unit’s gauges can tell you the refrigerant level. Low refrigerant pressure means your Freon levels are low and need to be topped off.
Clean the Coils: With your AC unit off and the outer cover removed, you can clean the coils and fins with a soft-bristled brush, getting rid of any dirt or debris.
If you haven’t already, schedule a tune-up with a Millers Heating and Air HVAC technician before summer rolls around. We can check for early signs of wear and tear and determine if your AC is running efficiently.
Use Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances use far less electricity than traditional appliances, meaning lower energy bills. Even energy-efficient lighting alone can reduce energy use by up to 75%.
If you’re in the market for new appliances, look for products with the blue ENERGY STAR label. However, if you can’t afford new appliances, there are ways you can be more energy-efficient.
For example, rather than cooking during the hottest times of the day, prep instead. Or, if you’re cooking on the stove or oven, make sure your exhaust is open.
Shade Your Home
Shading your home is a great way to reduce solar heat gain and keep the inside of your home cool. It's also one on our favorite efficient cooling strategies for our clients.
Consider installing a permanent shade structure like a pergola or cabana. This can double as luxurious backyard amenities for get-togethers. You might also consider adding trees to your property for natural shade.
If you don’t have outdoor space to work with, you might consider installing indoor shading like window film to lessen heat transfer. As an added benefit, it helps with glare in direct sunlight!
Optimize Your Landscaping
Thoughtful landscaping not only looks great, but it can actually reduce your cooling costs. Well-placed shrubs or trees can provide shade and minimize heat gain from hardscaping. Of course, the keyword here is “well-placed.”
To keep your house cool, plant taller trees, hedges, and shrubs in a row near windows. This will provide shade and help bring cool air towards your home. We recommend planting on your home’s windward side.
Use a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers are important here in the Pacific Northwest, as they get rid of uncomfortable moisture in the air, which can exacerbate allergies and lead to mold growth. Running one in tandem with an AC unit can also make your home feel up to ten degrees cooler. This can also reduce the need for long-running AC.
When looking for a humidifier, make sure you select the right size based on the square footage and layout of your home.
Consider Upgrading Your System
If your AC is over ten years old, you might consider upgrading to a better system. Most units have a lifespan between 15-20 years, though that doesn’t mean they operate as efficiently during those last few.
Modern, energy-efficient HVAC systems run better with less noise, keeping your home cool and comfortable. As an added benefit, they can even increase your property value!
There are several factors to consider when looking for a new system:
BTU Load: The heating and cooling capacity required for your home
Energy Efficiency Ratings: Higher ENERGY STAR ratings might cost more, but they can save you in the long run
Household Size: The number of people in your house can determine how large of a system you need to keep it cool
Conclusion
Staying proactive is one of the best ways to reduce cooling costs and keep your home running as efficiently as possible. Implement the tips above, and you’ll no doubt reduce AC bills. Plus, you'll have the knowledge that you did something positive for the environment!
When you're ready to boost your savings and energy efficiency, reach out to us at Miller's Heating and Air. We are ready to send an HVAC technician for an energy audit!
