As the mercury soars, it’s natural that air conditioning becomes an integral part of maintaining a comfortable home – but that also means spiralling energy bills that cause nightmares for most homeowners. Here are some energy saving tips to stay cool without having to spend a fortune on electricity.
Close All Gaps and Crevices
Ensure that all the openings in the house are closed tightly whenever the air conditioner is switched on. Small crevices and gaps can cause the hot air from outside to enter the home and increase the indoor temperature – not to mention the added pressure on the air conditioner to work harder. Gaps and crevices are usually found near doors, windowsills and ventilators.
Prevent Direct Sunlight From Entering
It’s beneficial to have tinted windowpanes especially on doors or windows that are exposed to direct sunlight. You can also put blinds or drapes to cover the entire window or door to use the window without interrupting your views. If you have a front yard or back yard, plant trees near the windows. They prevent the sun from entering the home. You can also put potted plants outside the windows to block direct sun rays. When painting, make sure you select light coloured walls. Lighter colours reflect the heat back out and keep the room cooler, in contrast to darker colours that absorb and retain heat indoors.
Use Your Air Conditioner Optimally
Always use the auto mode on your air conditioner. This shuts down the cooler automatically once the room is cooled and switches it to fan mode. Consider using the timer on the air conditioner especially during nights when it tends to get a bit cooler. Split air conditioning is more effective in reducing energy bills than central air conditioning because it cools only occupied rooms – rather than the whole house – reducing your energy bills considerably. Clean your air conditioning filter regularly for optimal cooling. Install air conditioners based on the room size – a unit, which is not powerful enough for the room will cause it to be overworked and consume more energy. A powerful air conditioner for a small room will cause frequent switching – quickening the wear and tear process. If it isn’t too hot, then use fans as far as possible – since they consume a fraction of the energy that air conditioners do.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Replace halogen bulbs with more energy efficient fixtures like CFL bulbs or fluorescent tubes. Halogen bulbs emit heat along with light and tend to make the room hotter than it should be while consuming more energy than their newer counterparts. Consider replacing old appliances like your television, computer and fridge. Most modern electronic devices consume less energy and heat than older appliances. While it may seem like a high investment, you are likely to recover the amount over a period in the form of reduced energy bills.
It goes without saying that soaring energy bills are a worry for most homeowners. Follow these simple, but effective energy saving tips to ensure that you stay cool during summer without burdening your wallet.