Five Ways To Take Charge Of Your Cooling Costs

And then your electric bill arrives, and you realize it’s time to take charge of your cooling costs. You don’t have to take your foot off the gas of your air conditioner, but even simple cost-cutting measures will add up.

Consider these five ways:

• Install a programmable thermostat -- You can use one so that you aren't cooling your home when it isn’t occupied. Families who can adjust their home’s thermostat for eight hours at a time can save up to 10 percent a year on their energy costs, according to the U.S Department of Energy. And for every degree you can raise the temperature, you can save as much as 4 percent on your energy bill.
• Turn on your air conditioner only when the temperature climbs to 78 degrees -- Give yourself time to adjust if you’re used to a lower temperature, but adjust you will – in time. In the meantime, stay cool by closing windows, drapes and shades during the day to keep out the sunlight. When the sun goes down, open your windows and turn on fans to draw in cooler air.
• Install energy-efficient windows -- In addition to doors, old or inefficient windows can be huge energy wasters. Energy Star-rated windows can reduce this waste by about 20 percent.
• Seal air leaks around windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping – the next best thing to installing replacements. And insulate your ductwork, especially in unconditioned areas such as the attic, basement and garage.
• Exercise good energy conservation habits throughout your home -- Do not place heat-producing appliances such as a television or lamps near the thermostat. The heat that emanates from them can set off your air conditioner and cause it to run longer than necessary. Check that no furniture obstructs your air-conditioning vents. Close the doors to rooms you don’t use or close the vents there.

For other sure-fire ways to cut your cooling costs, call the experts at Rodenhiser Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve the Route 495/128 area of Massachusetts.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information about air conditioners and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Solutions Guide.