It’s that time of year when cooling costs contribute to high electric bills, but it’s still possible to achieve energy savings in spite of the heat. Air conditioners use more electricity than any other home appliance. You might be able to shrink your power bills by turning up the thermostat without sacrificing your comfort by:
Keeping humidity low.
In the summer, strive for a humidity level of 30 to 40 percent. If you don’t know what it is, invest in a hygrometer, an inexpensive device that measures relative humidity. Instead of using your air conditioner to dry out the air, use the exhaust fans while cooking or bathing.
Turning the temperature up a degree at a time.
Acclimatizing yourself to a warmer temperature is easier if you raise it gradually. A reasonable interior temperature for summer is 78 degrees F. Instead of going from 72 or 74 to 78 all at once, increase it by a degree every day or so.
Using a programmable thermostat for energy savings.
If you’re gone all day, turn the temperature up a few degrees and lower it when you return. When you use a programmable or smart thermostat, you can set it to start cooling your home down in time for your arrival. A professional from Mathews CCAC can help you choose the best thermostat for your home and set it to your family’s preferences.
Using ceiling fans.
While all fans provide comfort during the summer, ceiling fans are the most convenient way to make a room feel more comfortable. They run quietly, use no floor space and circulate the air throughout the room. When you leave the room, be sure to turn the fan off. Fans do not cool the air; they increase your comfort by drying the moisture on your skin, which cools you off. Leaving fans on in unoccupied rooms just wastes energy.
If you’d like to learn more about energy savings and your cooling system, contact CCAC, providing HVAC services for Coastal Bend homeowners.