Don’t you hate those high summer electric bills? There is little one can do to avoid paying more money on utility bills in summer, but there are things you can do to lower these bills each month. In fact, it may be easier than you think to save money on your air conditioning this year. Here are 3 helpful tips to help keep your costs to a minimum, while staying cool.
1. Cover Your Windows
Go to a west facing window in the evening when it is hot outside. Can you feel the heat without touching the window? If so, you are getting too much heat transference. Naturally, the best solution is to install double or triple pane insulated windows, but not everyone has the money for this home improvement.
You can limit heat transference by buying insulated drapes or curtains. They are not too expensive, and if you are on a tight budget, just buy curtains for the west facing windows. Of course, if you buy them for the east facing windows you’ll stay cooler in the mornings too.
2. Stop Heating Up the House in the Daytime
Some home appliances can add a great deal of heat to the home interior. Whenever possible, avoid using the oven or the clothes dryer during the day. The best time to dry clothes and bake is late at night or in the wee hours of the morning, when the air conditioning is off or not working hard.
When you add heat to the house, you make it hard on the cooling system. It has to work harder and uses more energy. Also, additional heat can affect the comfort level in your home.
Try cooking more out of doors in the warm weather. Consider installing a clothes line for naturally dried clothing.
3. Keep Your Cooling System Clean
A clean air conditioning system is an efficient one. Also, clean systems do not work as hard as dirty ones and are less likely to develop problems and break down. Change filters each month and make sure your air returns are not blocked by furniture or other items in the home.
Keep your HVAC system clean with regular maintenance in the fall and spring. Your home cooling professionals will inspect your unit before summer and before winter. They will clean it thoroughly and make sure everything is in top shape. This affordable maintenance will give you a more comfortable home in the most extreme weather and you will experience fewer problems.
Eck Heating Cooling, Inc. has been in business since 1897 and we can handle all of your cooling and heating needs in the Chicago area. To see what we can do for you, visit us online now at eckheatingcooling.com or you can like their Facebook page.
