Advertisement
Australia markets closed
  • ALL ORDS

    8,153.70
    +80.10 (+0.99%)
     
  • ASX 200

    7,896.90
    +77.30 (+0.99%)
     
  • AUD/USD

    0.6513
    -0.0005 (-0.07%)
     
  • OIL

    83.11
    -0.06 (-0.07%)
     
  • GOLD

    2,254.80
    +16.40 (+0.73%)
     
  • Bitcoin AUD

    107,485.51
    -1,015.51 (-0.94%)
     
  • CMC Crypto 200

    885.54
    0.00 (0.00%)
     
  • AUD/EUR

    0.6041
    +0.0007 (+0.12%)
     
  • AUD/NZD

    1.0905
    +0.0003 (+0.02%)
     
  • NZX 50

    12,105.29
    +94.63 (+0.79%)
     
  • NASDAQ

    18,254.69
    -26.15 (-0.14%)
     
  • FTSE

    7,952.62
    +20.64 (+0.26%)
     
  • Dow Jones

    39,807.37
    +47.29 (+0.12%)
     
  • DAX

    18,492.49
    +15.40 (+0.08%)
     
  • Hang Seng

    16,541.42
    +148.58 (+0.91%)
     
  • NIKKEI 225

    40,369.44
    +201.37 (+0.50%)
     

7 Ways to Cut Summer Air Conditioning Costs

Soon summer will be in full swing and homes everywhere will be ramping up the AC to combat the summer heat. Air conditioners -- especially whole-house units -- are known to be energy hogs, so those wanting to save money yet still be comfortable during those swealtering months might find some relief -- both from the heat and from high energy bills -- by following the tips below.

[See: 11 Expenses Destroying Your Budget.]

Use Fans

If possible, install ceiling fans in the most-used rooms of your house. Ceiling fans help the cool air circulate in rooms, easing the strain on your air conditioner.

If installing ceiling fans isn't an option, try using traditional box fans. If you have a two-story house, the fans are most effective on the upper level while windows on the lower level are open, but even if the windows are closed because you're using your air conditioning system, having box fans running in the house will help circulate the air and keep the temperature more even in each room.

ADVERTISEMENT

Spend More Time in the Basement

If you've got a finished basement, you can save on AC costs by keeping the thermostat set a little higher and spending more time in the basement. On extra warm nights you may even consider sleeping in the basement on occasion, if possible.

Avoid Using the Oven

Crockpots, countertop toaster ovens and microwaves are all great alternatives during the summer months. The oven gives off a lot of heat that can permeate the entire main level of the house, which means your air conditioner needs to work harder to keep things cool.

Make a list of meals that you can cook in the crockpot, the toaster oven or the microwave so you can minimize oven use and save money on AC costs in the process.

[See: 10 Meals to Make When You're Trying to Save.]

Plant Trees or Shrubs

Trees and shrubs strategically placed around the yard can guard your home from the sun and help keep your house cooler naturally. It's also helpful to plant trees and shrubs in a way that will shield your whole-house AC unit from the sun so that it doesn't have to work as hard to keep itself cool during hot summer days. Protecting your AC unit from the sun will also help prolong the life of the appliance.

Cover Your Windows

Thick draperies, window shades and solar screens all help keep heat out of your house during the day, meaning your AC unit won't have to work at max capacity to cool your home. Although window coverings such as solar screens can be expensive at the outset, they'll pay for themselves quickly in lower summer energy bills as you find yourself using he AC less often.

Adjust Your Thermostat

Most experts agree that setting the thermostat for your central air unit at 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day will both keep you comfortable while keeping energy costs low. However, during the nighttime you can likely turn the thermostat even higher, say to 80 or 82 degrees, and still sleep comfortably. Consider adjusting your thermostat upward during nighttime hours to help keep your energy bill low during the hot summer months.

[See: 10 Oddly Practical Things You Can Rent.]

Keep Your AC Unit Maintained

Dirty filters and fans mean more strain on your AC unit, less effective functioning and, in turn, higher energy and maintenance costs for the unit. Experts recommend a once-a-year checkup by an authorized heating and air conditioning professional to ensure your air conditioner is clean and running properly.

By keeping your air conditioning unit well-maintained, you'll prolong the life of the unit and lower your energy costs as well.

Staying cool during hot summer days doesn't have to drain your bank account. By following the tips above, you can have a comfortable summer as well as a comfortable budget.

Deacon Hayes is a financial expert and founder of Well Kept Wallet, a financial education company that provides personal finance curriculum for people across the world.



More From US News & World Report