How to Cool Down Your Air Conditioning Costs

The average central air conditioning unit uses between 3000 and 5000 watts of power per hour, and runs approximately 9 hours per day in warmer months. This costs you $95.82 per month or $1,149.88 per year, and can account for up to 70% of your total electric bill, especially if you live in a warmer climate.

As energy costs continue to rise, more of us are looking for ways to reduce those warm weather bills without giving up the comfort air conditioning provides. Here are a few ways to cut your cooling costs and still keep your cool – even when the bill arrives:

Schedule an Annual Checkup

Just like your body, it’s important to keep your HVAC system healthy. Have it checked by a professional at least once a year to be sure it’s working at optimal levels and to head off any potential issues. If problems are discovered, get them fixed immediately to avoid larger repair bills down the road.

You’ll also want to check the filter monthly, and change it when needed – at least every three months. Dirty filters will put a drag on your system and reduce its efficiency, adding precious dollars to your monthly bill.

When Considering a New System

When you’re ready to install a new system make sure it has an official Energy Star logo and the highest Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) possible. Higher SEER ratings mean lower energy costs and can save you a bundle over old systems that had much lower ratings.

Dress You Windows

Windows account for 10 to 25 percent of your home’s thermal energy loss. The right window treatments can help reduce your cooling costs by blocking or diffusing solar energy to keep it out of your house. Mesh window screens, solar screens, window films and blackout curtains, especially when used on east and west facing windows, can give your cooling system a hand in keeping your home at a comfortable temperature.

Enlist the Help of Mother Nature

Using shade from plants and trees helps reduce the solar heat gain from heat absorbed through your home’s windows and roof. Trees can decrease the temperature of air surrounding them by as much as nine degrees, and the air directly under them as much as 25 degrees.

Plants can also reduce heat that radiates from the ground to diffuse it before it reaches your home’s walls and windows. A trellis or lattice of climbing vines is a great way to shade a patio, and because they grow quickly, you should see results even in the first season.

Keep the Air Moving

Fans will keep the air circulating and help with your cooling costs. Make sure your ceiling fans run counter clockwise in the summer to direct the air straight down. Box fans can be place in open window sills when there is a cool breeze to bring it indoors, or in rooms that get the most use during the summer months.

Adjust Your Thermostat

It doesn’t make much sense to cool your house when you aren’t there. A programmable thermostat lets you control the temperature by lowering it when you are home and raising it when you go to work, or away for a weekend.

On the other hand, if you don’t want to shell out for a new thermostat, simply adjust yours manually to give you the same results. Your savings will likely be about six percent if used properly, but it’s still savings and every bit helps.

Limit Your Culinary Activities

Adding a heat source when you’re trying to lower the temperature of your home is a bit counterproductive.

A cool healthy salad, or simple meal prepared in your microwave or toaster oven, can help keep the heat down inside when it’s rising outside. If you have to use your stove or oven, try to schedule it for the cooler evening hours.

Take Advantage of H2O

When all else fails, water can bring relief on a sweltering summer day. Take a bath, a shower or spritz yourself with a bottle of water. You might also want to invest in, or even make your own, cool polymer neck bands. The polymer granules hold water to increase the evaporative effect and keep you cool longer.