Stay Cool and Spend Less
It's no secret that summer heat will quickly hike up a homeowner's energy bill. Cooling the home can get expensive, but staying cool is possible without breaking the bank. Believe it or not, there are things that every homeowner can do to spend less on their utility bills. There is a cost to staying cool, but with simple tips and changes, it can be more affordable. Consider alternative methods that provide more cool or to circulate more air. Every little thing helps.
Ceiling Fans for Circulation
Ceiling fans are great for keeping the house cool. These can be a powerful tool as long as they are set in the right direction for the right season. Follow these steps:
- In the summer, set the ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise
- In the winter, set the ceiling fan to spin clockwise
- Enjoy the proper circulation of air for the specified season
In the summer, the ceiling fan rotates counterclockwise to create a cool breeze in the room. They are great for every room. This allows one to set the thermostat slightly higher and let the fans contribute to the cooling process.
Start by adjusting the thermostat 2-3 degrees and then assess whether this is sufficient. A homeowner may be able to adjust the thermostat approximately 5 degrees with fan circulation.
Regularly Replace Air Filters
The air filters on an HVAC unit have a hard job of filtering debris, dander, and dirt out of the air. They get dirty quickly, impeded by the system's efficiency. When the air filters are packed with crud, the air conditioner has to work much harder to cool the home.
The industry recommendation is to change the AC filter every 1-3 months. The timeline may depend on the living environment, such as if pets are in the home. Clean air filters will allow the unit to work more efficiently. Utility bills cost much less when the unit doesn't have to work as hard to keep things cool.
These are some additional benefits to routine air filter replacement:
- Improved air quality
- Unit efficiency
- Reduction of allergy or asthma symptoms
- Consistent temperature control
- Expanded lifespan of HVAC unit
- Easier on the unit, reducing repairs
It's good for cooling the home, keeping the health of those in the household, and maintaining the unit.
Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat
With technological advances, homeowners have many new ways to be more efficient. Smart thermostat installation is a great way to help cut utility costs. It's not necessarily that the smart thermostat is cheaper, but rather the options it provides to improve efficiency.
Here are a few ways a smart thermostat can contribute to reduced cooling costs:
- Adjust settings to home schedules
- Operate from a smartphone
- Set timers for optimized cooling
- Energy usage reports for consumption understanding
A homeowner can use a smart thermostat to control their cooling costs. They can set times when the house may be kept cooler and times when it can be cooled more. This improves efficiency and reduces costs.
About 360 Air Tech
360 Air Tech provides a wide array of AC and heating solutions, including replacements, repair, and maintenance programs. Their team consists of highly trained professionals who go above and beyond to take care of homeowners' cooling needs. Contact them today in Williamsburg, VA.
