If you’re like any regular Joe, you normally wait until the ninety-ninth minute to turn your air conditioners on in the summer. Right?
We know air conditioning alone bites a huge chunk out of your electricity bills. And with that level of heat that we’re getting these days, it hard trying to survive until the last minute.
So here is the big question: how can we cut back on our air conditioning expenses without submitting ourselves to the sweltering heat that the summer brings?
Below are just a couple ways to bring home a less costly electricity bill.
Buy Fans
Having fans in your home make the place seem cooler by providing some breeze, and generating a uniform temperature all over the house. The U.S. Department of Energy has completed studies on the best way to place your fan and open windows.
If you live in a two-story home, run the fans on your home’s upper floor and open the windows on the ground floor.
If you live in a one-story home, close the windows nearest the fan, and open those in rooms furthest from the fan.
It may be useful to note that ceiling fans have a switch that controls the direction in which the blades go. During the summer months, have the blades spin in a counter-clockwise direction to generate cool downward airflow. During the winter, fan blades should rotate in a clockwise direction to redistribute the warm air.
Install Programmable Thermostats
If you leave your air conditioner on while you’re out running errands, and carrying on with your life, STOP. Some thermostats can be scheduled to raise and lower the temperature during the day.
There are “smart” thermostats available these days, and they have a way of knowing when you leave and arrive home each day. They will regulate the temperature based on your general pattern.
With these smart thermostats, you can control them with your smartphone, so you can make sure it’s cool and comfortable by the time you walk through the door.
Install Ductless A/C Systems
This one isn’t the most inexpensive choice, but ductless systems are very efficient. Ductless systems are best suited for bedrooms, kitchens, and living areas. Also for rooms where the temperature fluctuates a lot.
How does this save you money? In the room with the ductless unit, you can set it to the desired temperature, then raise or turn off the thermostat for the rest of your house.
Get Some Shade
There are multiple ways to use this old-fashioned cooling system to your advantage.
Planting trees along the south and west borders of your house can provide cooling relief for aeons! The trees will create shade during the hottest months of the year.
By providing shade for your heat pumps or condensers, you can increase efficiency by up to 10%. Find shrubs that can provide shade for your system, but try to avoid obstructing the airflow.
Windows let in an enormous amount of heat, especially if they’re old. You can use blinds or solar screens to control the amount of light that comes in. By using light coloured blinds, you can decrease heat gain by about 45%. Solar screens are placed outside of your windows and they can block 90% of the sunlight from getting into your house.
Use LED Light Bulbs
Try using LED lights, when you’re replacing old bulbs. They have a longer life span and produce very little heat. Incandescent light bulbs, produce more heat and consume more power than LED bulbs. Incandescent bulbs can be as hot as 335° while a LED bulb only reaches 87°.
Schedule Regular Tune-Ups
Tune-up improves efficiency by letting your system to produce cooler air without using as much energy. It’s the same as having your car tuned-up, you know just how much of a change that will make. Imagine doing the same for your air conditioner.
If you are looking for an experienced and affordable heating and cooling contractor in Ottawa to handle all your Ottawa HVAC needs, then give us a call to get professional help with your central air conditioner, furnace or fireplace for a complete home comfort experience. We have decades of experience in home heating and cooling and Capital City Heating & Cooling provides all HVAC services including heating & air conditioning installation, repair, service & maintenance in Ottawa and surrounding areas.