Air conditioning is essential when you live in the Bay Area. Summer heat waves have gotten more frequent. And when you’re in the middle of a summer heat wave, you may be tempted to turn up your AC and run it nonstop to keep the heat at bay. But, as good as that might feel at the time, you will suffer for it when it comes time to pay your next utility bill. Fortunately, you can save money on air conditioning even during the hottest days of the summer.
Use Fans to Save on Air Conditioning Bills
Follow these tips to help keep your PG&E bill lower in a hot summer:
Turn On Some Fans
Fans might not cool the air like an air conditioner, but they make a space feel cooler and more comfortable.
- During the day, fans supplement your home ventilation system by moving cool air through the house.
- An old-fashioned box fan placed near an open window will draw in cool night air and push hot air out.
- Meanwhile, a ceiling fan rotating counterclockwise will draw cool air from the floor and circulate it around the room.
Draw the Curtains to Assist Air Conditioning
Keep the shades and curtains drawn in the west and south sides of your home during the day to lower the temperature in your home by as much as 20 degrees. This could decrease your utility bills by as much as seven percent! So, definitely invest in them if you’re looking for savings on air conditioning costs. If you enjoy landscaping, cool your home with a few shade-producing trees that block the sun’s rays from your roof and walls.
Lower the Humidity in Your Home
High humidity amplifies the feeling of high temperatures. You don’t want your home to get too dry. So, keep humidity levels relatively low to keep your home feeling comfortable.
Showering, washing clothes, running the dishwasher, and other activities produce a lot of steam. Do them early in the morning or later in the evening while the sun isn’t out. When you do have to do these steam-producing activities, turn on a fan and open a window to keep the humidity to a minimum.
Get a Programmable Thermostat
Using a programmable thermostat is a great way to keep your utility bills low and your home comfortable. This is especially if you don’t spend a lot of time at home. Set it for the temperatures you want at different times of each day. That way, you’ll always come home to a cool and comfortable home.
Schedule an Air Conditioner Tune-Up with Element Home Solutions
Even if you try to avoid running your air conditioner at all times during the summer, it must be in good shape. Your HVAC system should be inspected by a professional every Spring and Fall. If you have a home in the East Bay or Oakland area and you skipped your inspection, contact Element Home Solutions to take care of that. It’s one of the best ways to keep your AC unit energy cost down. And it might prevent more costly repairs in the future.
