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With the global eco-crisis, saving money on your electricity bill is more important than ever. You’d be surprised to know that household energy bills account for about 22% of the average family’s total spending.
And for those hot summer months, the air conditioner is one of the biggest energy-guzzlers in your home.
So, how can you save on your electric bill this summer and stay cool? From getting a smart thermostat to commercial window film, check out our top tips:
1. Get a Smart Thermostat.
Unlike a traditional thermostat, a smart thermostat can learn your cooling habits and adjust itself accordingly. This could save you up to 30% on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Smart thermostats use sensors to detect when someone is home and how warm or cool the room is. They then use this information to automatically adjust the temperature so you’re not cooling an empty house.
For example, if you usually leave for work at 8 a.m., the thermostat will know to start cooling the house down before you leave.
There are even some smart thermostats that can be controlled from your smartphone, so you can adjust the temperature even when you’re not at home.
How much can you save?
The Department of Energy estimates that a typical household can save $180 per year by using a smart thermostat. That’s a pretty significant saving, especially over the long term.
2. Use a Fan Instead of the Air Conditioner
In certain countries, fans are used more often than air conditioners. This is because they use less energy and can be just as effective at cooling a room.
If you live in a country where air conditioners are the norm, you can still use a fan to supplement your cooling. For example, you could use a fan to cool down your bedroom at night and then turn on the air conditioner for a few hours during the day.
Additionally, buying a fan will only cost you around $50, whereas a new air conditioner could set you back $1,000 or more. So, it’s a great way to save money in the short and long term.
How much can you save?
If you use a fan instead of an air conditioner, you could save up to $100 per year on your energy bill. This amount will vary depending on how often you use the fan and how much you use your air conditioner.
3. Close the Blinds or Curtains During the Day
This is a simple tip, but it can make a big difference in how cool your home feels. Closing the blinds or curtains during the day will help to keep the heat out.
According to the Department of Energy, this could reduce the temperature in your home by up to 20 degrees. In fact, one study found that closing blinds can reduce the amount of heat coming into a room by up to 45%!
The reason this works is that the sun’s rays are much hotter than the air inside your home. So, by blocking out the sun, you can keep your home cooler and reduce how much energy your air conditioner has to use.
How much can you save?
If you close your blinds or curtains during the day, you could save up to 10% on your cooling costs. This is because it will help to keep your home cooler, so you won’t need to use your air conditioner as much.
4. Don’t Place Furniture in Front of Vents
Check to see if there are any pieces of furniture blocking your vents. If so, move them to another location. This is because the air needs to be able to flow freely for your AC to work properly.
If the airflow is restricted, it will make your AC unit work harder and use more energy. Additionally, it could shorten the lifespan of your AC unit and cause it to break down more frequently.
How much can you save?
If you clear the furniture away from your vents, you could see a 5-10% reduction in your energy bill. This is because your AC unit will be able to work more efficiently, so it won’t have to use as much energy.
For example, you could move a couch away from a vent in your living room. Or, you could rearrange the furniture in your bedroom so that the bed is not blocking the vent. Make sure you leave plenty of space around the vents.
5. Use a Dehumidifier
Did you know that humidity can make a room feel hotter than it actually is? When the air is more humid, it can make you feel hotter and cause you to sweat more because your body is not able to cool down as effectively.
To combat this, you can use a dehumidifier in your home. This will help to remove the excess moisture from the air, making it feel cooler and more comfortable. Additionally, it can help to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your home.
If you live in a particularly humid climate, you may want to consider investing in a whole-house dehumidifier. This can be attached to your HVAC system and will help to remove the humidity from all of the rooms in your home.
How much can you save?
If you use a dehumidifier in your home, you could see a 5-10% reduction in your energy bill. Of course, this will depend on how humid it is in your area and how often you use the dehumidifier.
6. Invest in commercial window film.
Just like how you tint your car windows with automotive tinting, there are commercial window films made for office buildings and homes.
This type of film is applied to the inside of your windows and helps to reflect the sun’s rays. It also helps to block out UV rays, which can cause fading.
Depending on the type of window film, you could reduce the amount of heat coming into your home by up to 60%.
And, it can also help to reduce the glare of the sun. Read on protect your skin from the sun for more tips on preventing sun damage.
How much can you save?
If you use window film in your home, you could see a 10-20% reduction in your energy bill. This is because it will help to keep the heat out, so you won’t need to use your air conditioner as much.
Check out how to keep your car cool in the Summer for more summer cooling tips.
7. Change Your Air Filter Regularly
If your house has an air conditioner, it is important to change the air filter regularly. This is because the air filter can get clogged with dirt and dust, which can cause your AC unit to work harder and use more energy.
Ideally, you should change your air filter every 1-3 months. However, this will depend on how often you use your AC unit and how dusty your home is.
If you have pets, you may need to change the air filter more often because pet hair can quickly clog up the filter.
How much can you save?
If you change your air filter regularly, you could see a 5-15% reduction in your energy bill. As with most of these tips, the amount you save will depend on how often you use your air conditioner and how dirty your filter is.
Final Thoughts
Every tiny bit counts when it comes to saving on your electric bill. By following these simple tips, you can lower your energy consumption and save money. Just remember that the key is to be consistent with your efforts.
Try implementing one or two of these tips every month and you’ll be surprised at how much you can save in a year. Start saving now and your future self will thank you! Click on overlooked energy-saving tips for more home tips.
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