Cooling costs tend to go up during the summer because your A/C has to work harder than usual. But with this action plan from the experts at Today’s Homeowner, you can cut that energy bill:
• Get an energy efficient, programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home’s temperature when you’re away. Just set the program to your schedule, and the thermostat does the rest. Better yet, get a smart thermostat that you can control with a mobile device. They range from $80 to $400, depending on features, but can save you an average of $180 every year in energy costs, so it will pay for itself in no time, and then start saving you each year after that.
• Add awnings. These door and window coverings aren’t just decorative; they also keep away rain and sun. And adding awnings to sunny windows can reduce a room’s temperature by up to 15 degrees and save 25% on the air conditioning for that room.
• Turn on the fan. Paddle ceiling fans don’t cool the air, but they do make it feel cooler by increasing evaporation on your skin. Raise your thermostat’s temperature two or three degrees, and then run a paddle ceiling fan. Make sure it’s running in a counterclockwise direction during hot weather, and only run the fan when you’re in the room.
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