Here in Minneapolis, the summer air is hot, sticky, and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, air conditioning can be expensive, especially when it is on all the time to cool your home. The good news is that there are many ways to save money while keeping your home cool over the hottest days of the summer. Check out our tips to save money, or call us for more information.
Seal the windows
In older homes, putting seal around the windows of your home could be a huge money saver. As your home ages, the seal in your windows will slowly break down, and your window frames will slowly warp with time. These small things will create spaces for the air in your home to escape. It also allows warm air into your home from outside. Covering up your windows will help maintain cooler air in your home and your air conditioner will not have to work as hard keeping your home at the right temperature.
Close blinds
Sunshine is a great source of light, but it also is a great source for heat. The sun will heat your home if you keep all of your curtains open. If you are not in a room, closing the blinds or curtains can reduce the amount of heat in your home and spare your air conditioner from working harder to compensate. Some window coverings can significantly cut out the heat while brightening up a room.
Use fans
Fans themselves don’t cool down air, but they do create a cooling effect with movement across your skin. They also help disperse humidity that has built up in a room. Bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms are commonly the rooms with the most humidity. Fans in those rooms will help break up the humidity, making your home feel cooler. It’s also great for any room you’re in, but remember to turn it off when you leave to save money on electricity bills.
Maintain a cooling schedule
Chances are that there will be times of the day where you aren’t home. If you program your thermostat to higher temperatures during those times, you could save a lot of money on your energy bills. If you go on vacations, you can also set the temperature higher while your home is unoccupied. If you have pets, remember to set it at a safe temperature for them while you are away. A programmable thermostat can automatically transition between temperatures to keep your schedule and save money on energy costs.
Regular maintenance
Regular maintenance can include checking it yourself, changing the air filter, and getting a tune-up. All of these things could help you catch potential issues from an aging air conditioner early and help you save money. The more scheduled tune-ups you have for your air conditioner, the longer your system will last and the more efficient it will be. We recommend to get your air conditioner tuned up every year before turning it on. For your air filter, it should be checked every month and changed according to your family’s needs.
Learn more about how you can keep your HVAC bills by checking out some of our other tips. If you would like more information about programmable thermostats or getting a tune-up for your HVAC equipment, give us a call. We have many experts ready to help you save money and give you great advice for your home.
