In the summer heat, your energy bills skyrocket. The simplest way to bring them down is to raise your thermostat. Higher AC temperatures mean less energy usage. They also mean less cooling. Can you survive the increased heat? You don't have to. With a few simple tricks, you can stay just as comfortable, even when the thermostat is set higher.
Ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are great for air circulation. They can also make your home feel cooler than it is. The windchill factor makes the air feel cooler as it blows against your skin. This means you can set higher AC temperatures — raise your thermostat about 4 degrees — with no reduction in comfort.
Sealing leaks. Saving energy means eliminating waste. That includes sealing leaks in your ductwork so that all the air makes it from your AC to your home, as well as sealing cracks and other leaks in your house to prevent that air from escaping once it's in there. Reducing air waste means your home will stay cool longer without your system having to work as hard.
Smart thermostat. The best time for higher AC temperatures is when you're not home. A smart thermostat gives you better control over your home's temperature, allowing you to set higher AC temperatures more easily. You can have it in cooling mode while you're in the house, but program it for energy-saving mode (a few degrees higher) when you leave for work. Then have it switch back to cooling mode half an hour or so before you get home so your house is comfortable upon your return without wasting energy cooling an empty house.
Window treatments. The more heat you can block from entering your home, the less cooling you'll need to stay comfortable. Heavy drapes on your south-facing windows will keep the heat out, but they'll also keep the sun out. If you still want to let light in, consider solar shades. They let in some natural light while filtering out a good deal of the heat that goes with it.
For help lowering your energy bills while keeping your house comfortable, contact us at Air Assurance. We provide Broken Arrow with quality heating and cooling solutions.