3 Ways to Stay Cool While Spending Less Money
As energy prices rise and the summers get hotter, many people are looking for ways to reduce their utility bills or keep them close to what they were. This concern affects everyone who has to pay bills, but there are a few simple things that one can do to help make the coming summer heat a little more bearable.
Work Smarter, Not Harder: The Smart Thermostat
Thermostats are the rudder of the ship that is an HVAC system. Adjusting the thermostat can save energy or waste it needlessly. This is a reason to invest in either a smart or programmable thermostat.
A programmable thermostat is one that an individual can set to a certain temperature at certain times; a smart thermostat, on the other hand, is connected to an app on the owner’s smartphone and can learn patterns of the individuals in the home to make the energy usage more efficient.
Below are a few reasons to invest in a programmable or smart thermostat.
- Budget-Friendly: A new thermostat is less expensive than replacing a whole HVAC system. If the existing HVAC still works, it is an inexpensive upgrade that can pay for itself.
- User-Friendly: Most thermostats are easy to use and provide feedback on a home’s energy usage. They provide energy savings as well as peace of mind.
- Eco-Friendly: Conserving energy doesn’t just help reduce utility bills; it also helps the planet.
Cut the Drafts with Weatherstripping
Even if an air conditioner is functioning at its most efficient, the house itself may be working against it. This is especially true in older homes that may not seal as well as newer ones. This is where weatherstripping comes in. Weatherstripping is a flexible foam or rubber tape that one can place along the open edges of windows and door frames to seal any gaps that allow outside air into the home.
Benefits of weather stripping include the following things that are even beyond contributing to the efficiency of a home’s air conditioning:
- Minimizes insect pests
- Keeps humidity at bay
- Helps in noise reduction
Pump Up the Fun, Not the Air Conditioning
Every homeowner knows that the electric bill is mostly taken up by the cost of running the air conditioning. One of the simplest ways to assist with a home’s cooling costs is to turn on the ceiling fans. Fans rotating in a counterclockwise motion create a downdraft that will make a home feel cooler.
Turning the thermostat up when the house's inhabitants are gone and allowing fans to do most of the work can reduce energy expenditure. Homeowners should verify that their fans are rotating in the right direction (counterclockwise) for the summer so they are not counteracting the AC system.
About City Plumbing
For nearly 20 years, the multiple-award-winning City Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning have worked to turn the home improvement nightmares of the greater Philadelphia, PA, area into pipe dreams. They offer 24/7 emergency service and flat-rate pricing. Call them today to schedule an annual HVAC maintenance check.
