Tips for saving on energy bills during the summer months.
Looking for ways to beat the heat this summer AND save money while doing so? At Weis Comfort Systems, we know that St. Louis summers can have temperatures rising high and energy bills soaring even higher. However, many homeowners are unaware of the fact that they may be spending more than necessary without having to compensate on the comfort of their home— all they have to do is make a few small changes to their habits. Learn more about our energy-saving tips below.
Optimize the Use of Your Thermostat
One of the most important things to remember is that the smaller the difference is between the outdoor and indoor temperature, the lower your AC bill will be. This stands to reason that it’s best to keep it at a higher temperature during the summer, while still remaining comfortable if you are in the house.
Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees can save up to 10% in energy costs, according to the Department of Energy. If this is too hot for you or your family, set your thermostat at a temperature you find comfortable that still provides humidity control. A programmable thermostat is great for automatically lowering and increasing the temperature of your home. You never have to worry about it even when you're not there!
Keep the Heat Out
If your house is old, there may be a lot of sneaky cracks and other openings that let hot air seep in. This makes your air conditioner work overtime to keep up, which is why you should not only identify gaps around windows and doors, but also add weather stripping and caulk to thoroughly seal them up.
Additionally, while the sun streaming in through a window may feel cozy on a summer morning, many people often forget that it is not great for your AC bill as the day wears on and the sun beats down harder. You can simply close the blinds or, if you can’t go without the sunlight, you can install energy-efficient window coverings that let natural light in and prevent solar heat gain.
Cut Down On The Use of Electronics and Appliances
Some electronics and appliances— like dryers and dishwashers—can put out a good deal of unwanted heat taking its toll on your system. Cut down on the use of these things altogether or you can simply wait until the sun goes down and the temperature drops a bit outside to run these items.
Or how about taking advantage of the beautiful weather outside? Using kitchen appliances, especially the oven, can significantly raise the temperature in your home. Have a family BBQ! This allows you to steer clear of the kitchen and spend some time with loved ones.
Think About Getting a New Air Conditioner or Furnace
If you’re ready for the ultimate in summer energy savings, you may want to start thinking about a system upgrade, especially if your house is getting to be older than 15-20 years. Ever notice the lights dimming when your ac or furnace turn on? That's big energy.
Heating and cooling can make up nearly half the energy usage in your home. Look for systems that cost less to operate and have energy-approved, program standards. Investing in an energy-efficient heating and cooling system is a smart move that will save you money in the long run.
If you need help upgrading your system, call us at 636-343-8440 or contact us here. The trained experts at Weis Comfort Systems will help you understand the specifics about all different models of air systems and will walk you through the decision-making process.
