July 17th, 2023 7:00am PDT
(PenniesToSave.com) – In the southern United States, there is currently a wave of extreme heat, with temperatures surpassing 100 degrees. As a result, the number of heat-related illnesses and emergency room visits has risen significantly in several states. In such circumstances, having access to air conditioning becomes vital for the comfort and safety of many Americans.
But keeping cool can be costly. On average, households spend about $262 per year on air conditioning. Expenses vary based on location, with the hot and humid Southeast seeing costs as high as $525, while cooler areas along the West Coast, influenced by marine climates, may only spend around $60, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
In a country where a significant proportion of electricity still comes from non-environmentally friendly sources, these high bills also contribute to the increased emissions that drive climate change.
You may feel like you’re stuck in a lose-lose situation: either save money and help the environment by reducing your air conditioning usage, or endure uncomfortable heat.
Thankfully, experts assure us that it is entirely feasible to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature without compromising energy efficiency and in turn, reducing costs. Here are a few valuable tips to achieve this dual objective.
Program Your Thermostat
If you have a programmable thermostat and you’re out of the house during the day, here’s a strategy you can consider: Start by figuring out what temperature makes you feel comfortable when you’re at home. Let’s say that temperature is 72 degrees.
To save energy and reduce costs, consider adjusting your thermostat when you leave for the day. Lowering the temperature to around 70 degrees between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. can help during peak electricity rate hours (make sure to check rates in your area).
You can also program it to return to your preferred temperature later in the evening when the heat is less intense and electricity rates tend to decrease in certain regions. This way, you’ll have pre-cooled your home when energy costs are lower, preventing it from overheating while you’re not there. Plus, this helps alleviate pressure on the local power grid.
Here are some unique and easy-to-understand strategies to save on summer energy bills:
- Stay cool and save energy by blocking out the heat. During the daytime, close your blinds and curtains to keep the heat outside. Choose drapes with a medium color and white plastic backings, as research has shown that they can reduce the amount of heat entering a room by 33%.
- Enjoy the pleasant evenings: If you live in a dry and hot climate, make the most of the cooler night temperatures by opening your windows. Install screens to keep insects out while allowing the refreshing evening breeze to circulate throughout your home. If you don’t have screens, consider buying affordable adjustable window screens.
- Take advantage of the benefits of fans: Fans are not only energy-efficient but also create a pleasant and refreshing breeze. Ceiling fans, in particular, are highly effective. By utilizing fans, you have the option to slightly increase your air conditioning temperature while still experiencing a comfortable cooling sensation thanks to the wind chill effect. Just remember to turn off fans when leaving the room since they primarily cool individuals rather than entire spaces.
- Save energy by air-drying your clothes instead of using a clothes dryer. If you live in a dry-heat region, hang your clothes outside or inside on hangers, a portable clothes rack, or a wooden drying rack. The evaporative cooling effect will assist in drying the clothes. If you find that air-dried clothing is too stiff, you can briefly tumble them in the dryer on the “fluff” setting. In humid-heat areas, use the low setting on your dryer to conserve energy.
- Use cold water when washing clothes: The majority of energy used by a clothes washer goes towards heating the water. Modern washers and detergents are designed to work just as effectively with cold water, unless you are dealing with heavily soiled items that may require hot water.
- To keep your air conditioner in good working condition, it’s important to perform regular maintenance. One simple step is to clean the evaporator coil on your outdoor unit annually. This will help ensure that your AC operates efficiently. Additionally, if you have a window unit, make sure there is a tight seal between the unit and the window frame. This will prevent cool air from escaping and help maintain a comfortable temperature inside
- Have you considered participating in demand response programs? These programs are offered by some electric companies and allow them to regulate your thermostat during periods of high energy demand. In return, you receive a credit on your energy bill. Typically, you would receive 24 hours’ notice and can choose to opt out if necessary.
- Consider replacing your central air conditioning system with a heat pump when upgrading. Heat pumps not only provide cooling in the summer but can also help lower heating costs during winter. Additionally, taking advantage of federal rebates can make the cost difference minimal for this upgrade.
- Create a cool sleeping environment by lightly misting your sheets with cold water using a clean spray bottle. This simple technique replicates the traditional practice of wetting sheets for a comfortable sleep before air conditioning was common.