If you’re looking for ways to save on the cost of AC and heating, you are certainly not alone. US energy bills have been rising at some of their fastest levels ever, leaving many households struggling to stay cool and keep the lights on.
While the cost of electricity and air conditioning might be rising, that doesn’t mean that you are completely powerless. With a few straightforward hacks, you can quickly save some serious cash with minimal effort.
Here are our top tips for saving money on your AC and heating unit
Seal Up
The first thing you should is do make sure that your AC unit isn’t cooling down the entire neighborhood. If your doors and windows are not properly sealed, then most of the cool air will escape your home.
This will mean that your HVAC system has to work overtime to keep your home cool, leading to higher energy uses and higher bills.
Seal cracks and gaps in your home and cover the windows when possible. This will go a long way towards reducing your energy usage.
Hack Your Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to save money on AC costs is to get smart with your thermostat. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home, and never having it switched on when you are out.
Meanwhile, you should never crank your thermostat to a super-cool temperature as soon as you get home on a hot day. This will not cool your home any faster and will cost you more money.
Service Your AC and Heating
If you do not look after your unit after AC installation, it will cost you. Simply arranging for an annual or semi-annual AC servicing will go a long way towards reducing your energy costs.
You can learn more here about how affordable, professional servicing can save you time, money, and stress. When your AC is in tip-top condition, it simply works more efficiently.
Go Below Ground
If you are spending a lot of time at home this summer, consider decamping to the basement. The basement is, without exception, the coolest room in the house.
Oftentimes, you will not even need to have the AC on at all when you are chilling in your subterranean hangout. If your basement area is livable, simply spending more free time here could save you some serious cash.
Throw Some Shade
Finally, don’t forget to spruce up your home in ways that will naturally make it cooler. One of the best ways to do this is to add some more shade, for example by installing shade-giving houseplants.
This will quickly bring down the temperature in your home so that your AC unit does not have to work so hard. Spending just a few dollars on large houseplants could save you many times more than that in energy costs this summer.
Better Design for Smarter Home Living
AC and heating are getting more expensive. However, with the right approach to home living, you can tweak your AC and protect your bank balance from energy inflation. For more tips on cheaper, smarter home living, you have come to the right place. At our dedicated Home Improvements hub, you’ll find real, expert tips on what you can do to live your best life at home, without breaking the bank.
