Umair Gaines
With the global temperatures soaring to record highs, the need to stay cool has never been more important. However, as the temperatures rise, so do our utility bills. Luckily, there are many ways to save money and cut down on electricity usage during the hot summer months. From sealing off unused rooms to investing in smart home technology, this article will explore the best ways to stay cool and save money.
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What You'll Learn
Using a smart thermostat
Smart thermostats are a great way to save money on electricity bills. They are a step towards a more energy-efficient future. These devices are more than just a way to control your home's temperature; they are a shift towards conscious energy use.
Smart thermostats can cut energy bills by around 8%, saving homeowners approximately $50 per year through more efficient, automated temperature control. Google Nest's research showed that users of the Nest Learning Thermostat saved an average of 12-15% per year, which is about $131 to $145 annually. Ecobee reported that its users could save up to 26%, or about $250 a year, by installing one of their smart thermostats.
Smart thermostats can regulate heating and cooling when you are not at home, and you can adjust the settings remotely using an app on your phone or via voice commands. They can also be linked with programs like "Connected Savings" to allow utility companies to make adjustments during peak hours to help save money and earn energy discounts. Additionally, smart thermostats can provide real-time energy consumption insights, allowing you to cut down on energy usage and save on your energy bill.
Smart thermostats are easy to use and can be optimized to cater to your specific requirements. With scheduling, you can map out temperature preferences for when you are home or away, ensuring comfort and cost-effectiveness. Geofencing uses your phone's location services to adjust settings based on your distance from home, enhancing energy savings and convenience. The adaptive functionalities of the device learn from your habits, striking a balance between comfort and efficient energy use.
Smart thermostats are a great investment for those looking to save money on their electricity bills and make their homes more energy-efficient.
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Sealing air leaks
You can start by locating the openings in your home. Common areas that tend to let air in and out include windows, doors, air vents, baseboards, and gaps near plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring. Once you've identified the leaks, you can use various techniques and materials to seal them:
- Caulking: Use caulk to seal cracks and openings between stationary components such as door and window frames, and where plumbing, ducting, or electrical wiring comes through walls, floors, and ceilings.
- Weatherstripping: Use weatherstripping to seal components that move, such as doors and operable windows.
- Foam Sealant: Use foam sealant on larger gaps around windows, baseboards, and other places where air may leak out.
- Foam Gaskets: Install foam gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on walls to seal leaking air.
- Fire-Resistant Materials: Seal air leaks around furnaces and water heater vents with fire-resistant materials such as cement caulk, sheetrock, or sheet metal.
Additionally, you can consider hiring an energy assessor or weatherization expert to test your home for air tightness and recommend the best solutions. They may suggest techniques such as home energy assessments, remodelling construction, and proper insulation to further reduce heat flow and improve energy efficiency.
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Replacing old windows
If you're looking to keep your home cool and save on electricity, replacing old windows is an option, but it may not be the most cost-effective solution. While new energy-efficient windows can save you money on energy bills, they may not entirely pay for themselves.
The U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star program suggest that replacing old single-paned windows with energy-efficient ones can save you 7% to 15% in energy costs, or $71 to $501 annually. This figure depends on your location and the type of windows being replaced. For example, the EPA estimates that the most you can save over 30 years is $15,000, but this is for New England homes with single and double-paned windows.
The cost of energy-efficient windows can range from $150 to $6,500 per window, with an average of $400 excluding labor. With labor, the national average for replacing one window is $850, and this cost multiplies with the number of windows in a home.
Before investing in new windows, it's recommended to hire a professional to perform a home energy audit to identify the biggest sources of air leakage. In most homes, windows are not the primary cause of air leakage, and there may be more effective ways to improve energy efficiency and save on electricity.
Some alternatives to consider before replacing your windows include:
- Air sealing your windows with caulk
- Installing storm windows to increase the R-value of your existing windows
- Tinting your windows with film to mimic the effect of Low-E glass
- Using window treatments such as curtains, blinds, or solar window shades to keep rooms cooler
- Upgrading to a smart thermostat to regulate heating and cooling when you're not home
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Using fans
Fans can be used to save money on electricity by reducing the need for air conditioning. While fans cannot lower the temperature of a room, they can cool your skin by increasing evaporation and dissipating body heat. This means that when used in conjunction with air conditioning, fans can enhance cooling efficiency and reduce reliance on energy-intensive cooling systems.
To make the most of your fan and AC setup, you should only turn the fan on when you enter the room and turn it off when you leave. This is because fans are most effective at cooling your skin, rather than the air in the room. By turning the fan off when you leave, you can avoid wasting money and energy.
When using a fan, you can also raise the temperature on your thermostat by about five degrees. This will save you money as your air conditioner will run less, and you will still feel comfortable due to the wind-chill effect created by the fan.
If you are using a ceiling fan, it should be installed so that the blades are no higher than nine feet from the floor and no closer than eight inches from the ceiling. Blades with a sharper pitch will increase air circulation in a room. You should also set the fan to run counterclockwise, as this will push air downward, creating a wind-chill effect that makes the room feel cooler.
Finally, if you are looking to purchase a new fan, opt for one with an ENERGY STAR® certification. These fans are 20% more efficient at moving air than those without the certification.
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Upgrading cooling equipment
Upgrading your cooling equipment can be a great way to save money on electricity. Older cooling systems can be inefficient, leading to higher energy bills and poor performance. Here are some tips to consider when upgrading your cooling equipment:
Seal Air Leaks and Ducts
Before investing in new equipment, it's essential to address any air leaks in your house and the duct system. Sealing and insulating ducts can significantly improve the efficiency of your cooling system. Ducts that move air to and from central air conditioners are often big energy wasters. By sealing and insulating these ducts, you can reduce energy loss and keep your home cooler for longer.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Models
Newer, energy-efficient cooling models can make a significant difference in your energy bills. Look for models with the ENERGY STAR label, as they use 25-40% less energy than typical 10-year-old models. Replacing old equipment with ENERGY STAR-certified alternatives can cut your annual energy bill by a substantial amount.
Choose the Right Equipment for Your Home
When upgrading, consider the capacity and placement of your new cooling equipment. Ensure that indoor units are appropriately placed to cover all zones of your house. Multi-head, cold climate models are an excellent option for whole-house cooling, and they function efficiently even at very low temperatures.
Smart and Programmable Thermostats
Upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat can provide significant savings. These thermostats can regulate heating and cooling when you're not home, and you can adjust settings remotely. Additionally, they can consistently turn up the temperature when you're away, reducing unnecessary cooling costs.
Maintain Your System
Regular maintenance of your cooling system is crucial. Clean or change your system's filters periodically, as dirty filters can slow down airflow and make the system work harder, wasting energy. A yearly tune-up of your cooling system can also improve its efficiency and longevity.
By following these tips, you can make informed decisions about upgrading your cooling equipment to save money on electricity while maintaining a comfortable home environment.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to save money on electricity during the summer. You can use less energy by unplugging devices and appliances that are not in use, such as mobile or window air conditioners, televisions, and desktop computers. You can also use fans and close the blinds during the day to keep your home cool, and use a smart thermostat to regulate the temperature when you are not at home.
To make your air conditioning unit more efficient, you should ensure that it is well-maintained. Check the seals on window units to ensure that cool air is not escaping from your house, and hire a professional service technician if your unit needs more than the regular maintenance routine. You should also check your system's air filters every month, as a dirty air filter will slow down airflow and make the system work harder to keep you cool.
In the long term, you can reduce your electricity bill by replacing your old windows with ENERGY STAR-certified windows, which have invisible coatings that block solar heat. You can also replace your central AC with a heat pump, which uses less energy and can be done for a modest extra cost compared to installing a standalone AC system.
Yes, there are a few other ways to save money on electricity. You can reduce your hot water consumption by taking fewer hot showers and using cold water settings for laundry, or install a tankless water heater. You can also plant well-placed trees to shade your home, which can save up to 25% on your energy costs.
