Summers in Northern Virginia get real hot real fast. You’ve probably found yourself in the same position that we have – debating whether you should just accept the insane energy bill that could be coming your way or brave the heat to save up for that summer vacation. Especially when all you want to do is lower your cooling bill this summer. We’re here to tell you that you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort just to save this summer!
We’re sure you’re sitting there thinking to yourself – “How is that even possible?”
Trust us, it’s very possible. So grab a seat and keep reading because we’re sharing our top 7 tips to saving on your energy bill this Summer while still staying cool!
Fans are the easiest way to lower your cooling bill this summer
Whether portable or ceiling, fans make everyone inside feel six or seven degrees cooler simply because there is a breeze, and the body’s natural cooling mechanism relies on moving air. A fan can also disperse cool air more efficiently, allowing you to raise the thermostat but keep the same comfort level.
Run the AC smarter
This may require a smart thermostat, but you want to try to set the AC to decrease cooling when no one is at home, in order to save some of that energy. Whatever thermostat you have, you’re being smart yourself if you raise it to the highest temperature you are comfortable with and use fans for the rest.
Avoid heat-generating activities
If it’s hot outside and you’re running the AC, some activities can build up heat in the house, especially baking or cooking. This is partly why grilling got popular in the summer, since the heat from cooking doesn’t warm the house. Running the clothes dryer may also warm the house somewhat, and that may be unavoidable, so try to have the laundry machines isolated from the living areas so they will only warm the laundry room.
Add shade to lower your cooling bill this summer
Surprise, surprise: sunlight warms your house. If you’re trying to keep it cool, pulling the shades and draw the blinds can reduce much of the heat problem before you have to spend energy on fixing it.
Open windows (if it gets cool enough)
This depends of course on how hot it is outside, but depending on where you live it might get cool enough on summer nights that you can cool the house overnight by opening windows. Cross ventilation from through windows on opposite sides of the house or apartment will do the same job as fans but for free.
Update your lightbulbs
Incandescent lightbulbs produce heat. It might not seem like much because you don’t sweat near a lamp, but heat rises into the air above it, and that heat works against the cooling system, making it work harder. CFL and LED bulbs produce less heat, and on top of that they last longer and use energy better. Note that this is an upfront cost: you will have to pay for more expensive lightbulbs in order to save in the long term.
System maintenance
Making sure your system is operating at top efficiency is a major part of cutting expenses. Check air filters regularly and clean them if dirty. Replace them if they can’t be cleaned properly. Outside vents and units should be free from leaves, grass, or other obstruction. Cut down branches that threaten to get too close (about 2’) from the condenser unit.
In addition to checking filters, it’s a good idea to get your HVAC system checked every year by trained technicians to avoid emergencies and ensure smooth, efficient operation all season long. Call Twin Air in Manassas at (703) 754-1062 or visit us on our website.