When it comes to how to save money on your cooling bill, switching to a high-efficiency air conditioner, that uses less energy to do the same job, will be your best choice. However, even with a high-efficiency air conditioner you can save even more money by keeping as much heat out of your house as possible and reducing the air conditioners workload.
The easiest way to reduce the need for air conditioning in the house is to reduce the amount of heat that gets into the house. Your walls, ceilings, windows, and even appliances all contribute to the amount of heat in your house.
Your first step should be to insulate your house as best as possible. If the temperature outside is warmer than the temperature inside, then warm air will blow into the house through any openings it can find. These openings can be reduced by insulating the house better.
You can also install a radiant barrier in your attic. This will help reflect the heat that travels in from your roof. The effectiveness of the radiant barrier depends on how well it is installed. That is why it is best to contact a certified installer to do it for you.
You should also reduce the amount of inefficient appliances in your house. Fridges, stoves, dishwashers, and washers and dryers can all give off wasted heat and contribute to the internal temperature of your house. Even inefficient light bulbs can cause the heat in the house to rise. Replace all inefficient appliances with efficient ones.
Also, if you wait until the evening to use ovens and dishwashers, you can help to keep the house cooler during hot periods of the day. Avoiding the use of the oven altogether on extremely hot days can make a big difference for your need of air conditioning and cooling costs.
When it comes to windows, shading the east and west windows during the day will reduce the need for air conditioning. With no shading on these windows, your house could rise in temperature as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit on a hot day, which causes your air conditioner to work hard for many hours just to keep the house cool.
You can also replace your windows and put in high-performance windows with low emissivity glazing’s that are very good at blocking out a large percentage of heat. The windows will be perfectly clear, yet they will absorb and reflect the heat.
If you do not have ceiling fans, then you can improve the air movement in your house drastically by installing them. They cool by creating a low-level wind throughout the room that helps keep you cool, thus lowering your cooling bill. In addition, if your fan can spin in both directions, then you can use it during the winter to create an updraft that keeps warm air in the room. Ceiling fans are excellent for saving money all year.
When looking for a ceiling fan, look for one that is energy-efficient. They have various features, such as smarter blade design, to create more cooling with less energy used.
In the end, you can save money on your cooling bill by minimizing the heat that enters your house through your walls, ceiling, and windows. In addition, not using heat-producing appliances during hot periods of the day will allow your air conditioner to work less and, therefore, save you money.
