As the summer is filled with heatwaves and kicking our butts, we can’t help but want to stay cool without breaking the bank or having to get up and drive to the nearest Target. Here are some ways you can stay without hurting your pockets.
Use a Fan While the A/C is On
This may sound like the opposite of saving money. However, when using an air conditioner, close the windows and doors. If you use a fan simultaneously, you can save up to 20% on electricity. The fan helps circulate the cool air indoors, enhancing the cooling effect. Once your house feels cool, turn off the A/C and let the fan do its magic.
Avoid Turning Repeatedly Turning Your A/C Off and On
An experiment showed that the power consumption of leaving the air conditioner on for 2-3 hours then turning it off for 3 hours while you’re out and then turning it back on when you return is similar. This is because a lot of power is consumed when the air conditioner is turned on. Instead of turning it off when it’s cold and on when it’s hot, set it to your desired temperature and keep it running.
Make Sure to Keep Up the Maintenance of the Outdoor Unit
Many people tend to focus only on maintaining the air conditioner inside the residence. However, cleaning and managing the outdoor unit is essential. If dust accumulates on the air exhaust or items are placed near it, the hot air from the air conditioner cannot be effectively expelled, leading to increased power consumption. Clean the outdoor unit before using the air conditioner and ensure it is installed in a well-ventilated open area. Installing a shade to block direct sunlight can also significantly prevent energy loss.
Start with a Low Temperature
When turning on the air conditioner, it’s best to start at the lowest temperature. Many think that starting the air conditioner at full blast from the beginning increases electricity bills. However, the wind speed doesn’t significantly affect power consumption. The main factor determining electricity costs is the operating time of the outdoor unit. The air conditioner consumes a lot of power to reach the desired temperature. Therefore, set it to a low temperature to quickly lower it to the desired level, and then adjust it to around 78°F to efficiently save on electricity bills.
Use an Air Circulator
An air circulator can be used as a substitute for a fan and significantly increase the cooling effect when used with an air conditioner. Using the air conditioner only cools the area around it. However, using an air circulator and air conditioner at the same time increases air circulation, providing effective cooling throughout the entire room without any dead spots.
Most Commented