Summer can get pretty hot, and running your air conditioner all day can make your energy bills skyrocket. Everyone wants to stay cool without breaking the bank. The good news is, you can keep your home comfortable and save money by using a few simple tricks to minimize your AC use.
When you make small changes to how you cool your home, it can have a big impact. Whether it’s adjusting your thermostat or finding ways to keep the heat out, there are plenty of strategies to explore.
Let’s dive into the best ways you can make the most of your air conditioning this summer without overspending.
1. Install Ceiling Fans
Installing ceiling fans can help keep your home cooler without relying entirely on your AC. In the summer, ceiling fan blades should rotate counterclockwise. This pushes cool air down, creating a breeze that helps your room feel cooler.
Make sure your ceiling fan is at least 10 inches from the ceiling and 18 inches from any walls. This ensures proper air movement.
On vaulted ceilings, use a down rod to achieve the right height. Proper installation improves airflow and makes your fan more effective.
Turning on your ceiling fan allows you to raise your thermostat by up to 4°F without feeling warmer. If the room isn’t occupied, turn the fan off to save energy.
Ceiling fans are a simple and affordable way to cool your home, spend less on energy bills, and give your AC a break this summer.
2. Use Blackout Curtains
Blackout curtains can help keep your home cool during the hot summer months. They block out sunlight and reduce the amount of heat entering your room. This makes them a practical choice for reducing your dependence on air conditioning.
You can hang blackout curtains in any room to see immediate benefits. They’re especially useful for bedrooms, making it easier to sleep during the day or early mornings.
These curtains work by creating a barrier between your windows and the room’s interior. This not only keeps the sunlight out but also helps keep the indoor temperature stable. So, if you’re looking to cut down on your AC usage, blackout curtains are a simple and effective solution.
Installing these curtains can be straightforward. They come in various colors and styles, allowing you to match them with your home’s decor. Enjoy a cooler, more comfortable living space with this easy addition.
3. Utilize Natural Ventilation
Opening windows during the cooler parts of the day can help bring fresh, cool air into your home. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal times for this.
Use window fans to draw in cool air from outside and exhaust fans to push warm air out. This method can create a comfortable cross-breeze in your home.
Position your furniture and remove obstacles that might block the airflow through your windows and doors. Doing so will help maximize the cooling effect of natural ventilation.
Ceiling fans set to rotate counterclockwise can push cool air down, making rooms feel cooler without using much energy.
Strategically opening doors to encourage airflow between rooms can also help. Keep unused rooms closed to concentrate the cooling in areas where you spend most of your time.
4. Set Thermostat to a Higher Temperature
One easy way to save energy is by setting your thermostat to a higher temperature during the summer. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting it to 78°F when you are at home. This balance keeps you comfortable while reducing electricity use.
If 78°F feels too warm, try adjusting the temperature by one or two degrees higher. Gradually, you’ll find a setting that offers comfort without using as much energy. Remember, higher settings can help decrease your electricity bill.
You can also use fans to feel cooler. Ceiling fans and portable fans create airflow, making the room feel cooler even if the thermostat is set higher. This lets you stay comfortable while keeping energy costs down.
Using a programmable thermostat can also make a big difference. Set it to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not at home or while you sleep. This ensures you’re saving energy when cooling isn’t necessary.
5. Cook Outdoors
Cooking indoors can add a lot of heat to your home, making your AC work harder.
By cooking outside, you can keep your kitchen cool. Use a grill, a smoker, or even a camp stove in your backyard. These options allow you to prepare delicious meals without heating up your house.
Outdoor cooking is also a great way to enjoy fresh air and spend time with family and friends. You can create a fun and lively atmosphere by having a barbecue or a picnic.
Remember to keep safety in mind. Make sure your grill or stove is in a safe spot, away from anything flammable. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
Give outdoor cooking a try this summer. You might find it’s a tasty and enjoyable way to save on your cooling costs.
6. Plant Shade Trees
Planting shade trees around your home can significantly reduce your need for air conditioning. Large deciduous trees are perfect for this. They provide a cooling shade in the summer and allow sunlight through in the winter when their leaves have fallen.
Consider planting these trees on the east, west, and northwest sides of your house. This placement helps block the hot summer sun, reducing your cooling costs by up to 35%.
Additionally, planting trees near your air conditioner can keep it cooler, making it run more efficiently. When choosing trees, look for options that grow quickly and provide ample shade. This makes a noticeable difference in a short amount of time.
Make sure to plant the trees in areas with well-draining soil and sufficient space for growth. Trees like Thuja Green Giants, which grow rapidly and provide privacy, can be ideal for quick results.
This simple step can make your home more comfortable and save you money on energy bills. Plus, it adds beauty to your landscape, benefiting both you and the environment.
7. Use Reflective Window Film
Reflective window film can be a great way to keep your home cooler in the summer. It works by reflecting sunlight away from your windows. This helps reduce the amount of heat that enters your home, which can make a big difference on those hot days.
Applying reflective window film is a simple and cost-effective solution. You can buy it from many online stores or local hardware shops. When applied properly, it can block a significant portion of the sun’s heat.
This type of film also helps in blocking harmful UV rays. UV rays can fade your furniture and carpets, so using reflective film can also protect your home’s interior. This means you save on cooling and keep your home looking good at the same time.
Applying the film yourself is usually straightforward. Make sure your windows are clean, then cut the film to size. Carefully apply it to the window, smoothing out any bubbles as you go.
You can use reflective window film on any window, but it’s especially effective on windows that get a lot of direct sunlight. This can help maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home.
8. Use Energy-Efficient Bulbs
Switch to energy-efficient bulbs like LED or CFL. These bulbs use much less electricity than traditional incandescent ones. This change will save you money and reduce the amount of heat your lights produce.
LED and CFL bulbs last much longer than regular bulbs. You won’t have to replace them often. This means fewer trips to the store and less waste.
Energy-efficient bulbs also come in many shapes and sizes. You can find the perfect bulbs for any room in your house. They even come in different colors and brightness levels to suit your needs.
By using these bulbs, you’ll keep your home cooler and save on your electric bill. It’s a win-win situation for both your wallet and the environment.
9. Install Attic Insulation
Installing attic insulation can make your home cooler in the summer. It acts like a barrier, keeping heat out and cool air inside. This means your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard, reducing your energy bills.
Attic insulation slows down heat transfer. This means less hot air enters your home from the attic. As a result, your living space stays more comfortable.
There are different types of insulation like fiberglass, foam, and cellulose. Fiberglass is common and cost-effective. You might need around 13 inches of fiberglass insulation in warmer climates.
Before installing insulation, clean out your attic. Remove any debris and repair any damage. This helps the insulation work better and last longer.
Using a utility knife, you can cut insulation to fit snugly between the beams. Make sure there are no gaps. Even small gaps can let heat in and cool air out.
By improving your attic insulation, you not only save on cooling costs, but also create a more comfortable living environment. It’s a win-win!
10. Open Windows at Night
Open your windows at night to cool down your home without using the AC. When the sun sets, outdoor temperatures usually drop, making it a good time to let fresh air in.
Keep your windows open until just before the sun rises. This way, your home absorbs as much cool night air as possible. By morning, your home will feel cooler, reducing the need for AC during the day.
Use fans to help circulate the cool night air. Place a fan in your window to draw in the cool air from outside. You can also use another fan to push warm air out of the room, creating a nice airflow.
Choose the right windows to open. Open windows that are shaded and avoid those where the sun hits directly in the morning. This will help keep the cool air in longer.
Keep your bedroom windows open if you can, especially if you’re a light sleeper. The cool air can help you sleep better, and you’ll feel more refreshed in the morning.
Be aware of security. Only open windows in rooms you are using or those that are on higher floors. Always think about your safety while letting in that refreshing night breeze.
11. Dehumidify Your Home
Keeping your home dry can make a big difference in comfort. High humidity makes the air feel warmer, so reducing moisture helps to keep it cooler.
Using a dehumidifier is a great option. It pulls moisture out of the air, making the room feel more comfortable.
You don’t need to buy a big dehumidifier. Smaller units can work well in specific rooms like bedrooms and basements.
In addition to using a dehumidifier, try some simple tricks. For example, place bowls of baking soda around the house. Baking soda absorbs moisture from the air.
Exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom also help remove moisture. Use them during and after cooking or showering.
Fix any leaks you find around the house. Leaky pipes or windows let moisture into your home, increasing humidity levels.
Consider drying your laundry outside. Indoor drying adds moisture to the air and makes your home feel more humid.
By keeping humidity levels under control, you can rely less on your air conditioner to stay cool. Your home will feel more comfortable, and you may save on energy costs too.
12. Close Unused Rooms
Closing unused rooms in your home can help keep the areas you use cooler. By shutting the doors to these rooms, you limit the space your AC needs to cool.
Smaller spaces are easier to manage. This allows the cool air to stay where you want it most, like in the living room or bedroom.
You can also use rolled-up towels at the base of the doors to keep the air from escaping. This way, your AC won’t need to work as hard.
Remember to only keep doors closed for rooms you’re not using. That way, the cool air stays concentrated where you need it.
13. Use Portable Fans
Using portable fans can help you stay cool without cranking up your AC. These fans are easy to move around, so you can cool the rooms you’re using.
Place a portable fan near a window to draw in fresh air from outside. This works especially well in the evening when it’s cooler.
You can also use portable fans to circulate cool air from other sources like air conditioning or whole-house fans.
If you have ceiling fans, use portable fans to enhance their cooling effect. Set up a portable fan to push air upwards, complementing the breeze from the ceiling fan.
Portable fans are often more energy-efficient than running the AC all day, saving you money on your energy bills. They are helpful in improving air circulation and can keep you comfortable during heatwaves.
With a portable fan, you have flexibility. You can use it in any room—including your home office or bedroom.
Remember to look for energy-efficient models to maximize your savings. And make sure your fans are clean for optimal performance.
