Building toward an energy-efficient home is challenging, but you can accomplish it if you know what to do. It is no secret that air conditioning and heating can be expensive. However, there are many ways you can make your home more energy-efficient. For starters, you should always try to stay cool and avoid turning on the air conditioning or heating system unless necessary.
You can also install a programmable thermostat that will automatically turn off when it’s not needed. Apart from that, you can seal drafty doors and windows, switch your light bulbs to CFLs, close unused rooms in the house when you’re not using them—the list goes on! These simple tips will help save money while making your home more comfortable for you all year round:
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Stay cool and avoid turning on the air conditioning or heating system unnecessarily
One of the best ways to cut back on air conditioning use is to purchase a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the air conditioning or heating system at certain times during the day to save you money! You can set it to shut off when you’re not home, turn down the air conditioner before you leave work, or lower the air conditioning while you sleep. This will make a massive difference in your monthly bills.
Perhaps your system isn’t working well as it should be. That might mean you’ll need to fix some components. More often than not, your system might need a thorough cleaning. Therefore, hiring air duct cleaning professionals is a good idea, especially if you don’t have the know-how. Keeping these areas clean can improve energy efficiency since the equipment will not need more energy to perform well.
Seal drafty doors and windows
Sealing air leaks around doors and windows can help you save energy through insulation. This will also help your air conditioner remain cool during the summer months, saving you money! If you see air seeping through cracks near door frames or window jambs, try using some caulk or expanding foam to seal them up.
Close unused rooms in the house you’re not using them
If you have a room you’re not using, try to close it off whenever possible. You can do this by closing doors or installing heavy curtains over windows and air vents to prevent air leaks and heat loss. Closing off extra rooms will lower your air conditioning use for those rooms. It might even prevent air leakage, saving you on air conditioning costs.
If you have a gas stove or oven, never leave the windows open while using it. This can lead to air leaks and loss of air conditioning efficiency. If possible, cook with a crockpot instead of your oven or stove to further reduce air conditioning use!
Switch to CFLs
Switching your light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) is also an excellent idea. CFLs are a great way to save money on your energy bills. They consume less energy than incandescent light bulbs and last longer, too! So not only will you be saving money each month, but you’ll also be saving money on replacement light bulbs.
CFLs are available in various shapes and sizes. That way, you can find the perfect one for your needs. They come in multiple colors, too, so you can choose the perfect one to match your décor.
Plus, CFLs emit less heat than incandescent light bulbs, so they’re perfect for use in areas where you want to avoid excessive heat. Install CFLs in your bedroom or living room to keep air conditioning costs low!
Take advantage of natural light whenever possible.
Over the next few days, try utilizing natural light as much as possible. Close blinds or curtains on windows that receive a lot of sunlight to block it from coming in. This will help save air conditioning use and money.
When you can’t utilize natural light, install a ceiling fan with a light kit to help cool your home naturally.
Make sure all appliances are Energy Star certified.
When purchasing air conditioners, air conditioner units, air purifiers, or air cleaners, make sure they are Energy Star certified. This means that they have been tested to use less energy than standard appliances and lower your air conditioning bill!
When you purchase Energy Star–certified appliances, you’re not only saving money on your energy bills, but you’re also helping the environment. Energy Star certified appliances use less energy than standard appliances, so you’re doing your part by using them!
Plus, Energy Star–certified appliances come with various features that make them more efficient. For example, air conditioners that are Energy Star certified might have a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) rating. This higher rating means they use less energy to cool your home. Air purifiers and air cleaners that are Energy Star certified might also have a higher clean air delivery rate (CADR) rating. This rating measures how well AC units remove more pollutants from the air in your home.
As such, not only will you be saving money each month on air conditioning bills, but you’ll also be helping the environment.
It’s not a secret that cooling costs in the summer can be astronomical. Even in the winter, heating systems are costly to run. If you want to save money, consider making these changes to make the home energy-efficient.