Did you know the average family spends around $2,200 per year on energy bills? That is a pretty good chunk of change! No one wants to spend an arm and a leg on cooling bills, but no one wants their house to feel like an oven either.
To stay cool and help lower your bills, follow these summer energy saving tips:
1. Air Seal Your Home
Have your home air sealed to prevent air leakage. Properly air sealing your home keeps cool air in your home and stops warm outside air from rushing inside. The better your inside climate is controlled, the less money you’ll have spend on starting up your A/C. Air sealing can also improve your overall comfort in the colder months because you’ll have less drafty areas. Lastly, air sealing can even improve moisture problems and poor air quality.
2. Get Smart with Your Thermostat
If you still have an old thermostat in your home, upgrade to a smart or programmable one. What’s the difference?
Programmable thermostats allow you to set your desired temperature for different times of the day without having to be there. For example, with a programmable thermostat you can set your house temp before you leave for work. Setting your temp a little higher while you’re gone during the day can save money. Then when you get home, your programmable thermostat will automatically lower the temperature for you.
A smart thermostat takes things to the next level. Many smart thermostats allow you to control the temperature from your smartphone anywhere. Smart thermostats automatically learn your temperature preferences and begin to learn when you want it cooler/warmer. These types of thermostats also come with other features like reminders on when to change your filters and can automatically send you energy saving tips.
3.Look for Energy Saving Rebates
If you live in the Illinois Metro East area, Ameren IL has several programs available to help make your house more comfortable and energy efficient. Ameren has programs to help with:
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling
If you live in Missouri, you can take advantage of Spire Energy rebates and offers as well.
Natural gas and electric companies like Ameren or Spire use HVAC contractors to complete these home projects. Make sure you’re using an approved contractor or partner like Energy Stars Heating & Cooling Co.
4.Reduce Heat Inside Your Home
One of the best ways to save money on your energy bills is to take steps to reduce the heat your home generates. If your home’s temperature is lower from the start, your A/C unit will not have to work as hard to keep you comfortable.
For example, appliances like your oven, dishwasher, and dryer can generate heat while they are use. Try to wait until the cooler part of the evening to use them. If possible, try to grill outside or use no oven recipes for dinner in the summer.
Don’t forget about your ceiling fans when its hot. When used together with your air conditioning system, fans can help distribute cool air throughout your home. Think of your fans as the sidekick to your air conditioner’s primetime show.
Remember to keep blinds and window coverings closed during the day to prevent more sunlight from entering your home and heating things up.
5.Keep Your HVAC Maintained
You should have your A/C unit cleaned and checked at least once a year by a professional company. Like your car, your A/C needs regular maintenance to keep running at peak efficiency. Your yearly A/C tune up is also a great way to spot small issues before they become major problems.
Since summer is prime time for your A/C, you might need to change or clean the filter at least once a month.
If you would like to learn about ways to save energy while staying cool this summer, call the professionals at Energy Stars Heating & Cooling Co at 618-477-8337 or contact us here.