5 Brilliant Ways to Lower Your Home's Cooling Costs
Keeping your home cool during the warmer months shouldn't drain your wallet. By making some strategic adjustments and rethinking how your home handles heat, you can stay comfortable and save money at the same time. Here are five clever ways to lower your home’s cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.
Adjust Window Treatments
While windows allow for lots of natural light into your home, they will also bring in unwanted heat. Using light-blocking curtains or thermal shades to block the sunlight rather than absorb it will greatly help to lower the indoor temperature. Close your window treatments during the hottest times of the day (especially in the middle of the afternoon) and leave them open in the evening to allow cooler air in. You will see a significant reduction in the indoor temperature by doing this, which will alleviate the burden on your air conditioning unit.
Install a Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is good, but a smart thermostat is even better. A smart thermostat will learn your cooling habits and adjust your home's temperature based on your daily routine and preferences. Additionally, with a smart thermostat, you can have your home remain cool when you are inside, and cooler when you are not inside. Many smart thermostats even take into consideration local weather conditions to make smart decisions about adjusting your home’s temperature. Installing a smart thermostat is relatively fast, and you will see the difference in your cooling bill after just a couple of seasons.
Increase Use of Ceiling and Box Fans
Ceiling fans can provide much more than just circulating air; they can actually make your body feel cooler due to the process of evaporation. Therefore, you may be able to increase the temperature on your thermostat a little bit and still feel cool. Be certain to set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise during the summer. If you place box fans near your windows in the evening, they can blow the warm air out of your home and draw cooler air in. Keep in mind that fans cool people and not rooms, so be sure to turn them off if no one is in the room.
Block Heat Before It Enters Your Home
Lowering the amount of heat that enters your home from the outside can dramatically decrease the overall cooling costs associated with your home. One great method to accomplish this is by planting trees or large shrubs around windows that receive direct sunlight. Over time, the foliage of the plants will grow to provide more natural shade for your windows.
Another method is installing an exterior window awning or retractable patio covering. Companies such as Liberty Home Products manufacture custom outdoor shading products that can both cool your home and improve its curb appeal. Exterior shading prevents solar heat gain prior to the heat entering your windows.
Service Your Cooling System Regularly
An overworked or neglected air conditioning unit won’t run efficiently. Dirty filters, clogged coils, or low refrigerant levels can all lead to higher energy bills and less effective cooling. Schedule a professional inspection before peak summer hits, and change your filters every one to three months. This preventive care extends the life of your system and ensures it performs at peak efficiency all season long.
Cooling your home efficiently doesn't require a major renovation. With a few smart choices and a bit of consistency, you can create a comfortable living space while keeping your energy bills in check.