Air conditioning is a vital part of comfortable living, but the electricity it consumes can be a major source of your energy bill. Following these tips can help you reduce your cooling costs and save energy.
Avoid positioning heat-producing appliances near your thermostat; they can cause it to work harder. Keeping your window blinds closed or using a programmable thermostat can also help you reduce AC bills.
Insulation
According to the Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for up to half of the energy used in the average home. This means that proper insulation can make a big difference in your energy consumption and your utility bills.
The purpose of insulation is to reduce the transfer of heat from one area of the house to another. It also minimizes drafts and cold spots and helps to regulate temperature. Additionally, it acts as a sound barrier, keeping outside noises to a minimum. This leads to a more comfortable living environment.
There are many different types of insulation, but cellulose, fiberglass, and spray foam are among the most common. Each offers different benefits, depending on the needs of your home and budget. Some require professional installation, but others can be done at home. Additionally, you should always look for ENERGY STAR labeled products whenever possible. These are independently tested and verified to save energy and money without sacrificing comfort or safety.
Insulation isn’t just for the walls and ceilings of your home; it can be used in ductwork, attics, and other areas. The key is to seal any gaps or leaks in these areas. This prevents warm air from escaping during the winter and cool air from seeping in during the summer.
A well-insulated home can save you up to 30% on your monthly energy costs. That’s a lot of extra money you can put toward other things. And of course, saving on your energy costs will also help to protect the environment.
To improve your home’s energy efficiency, consider having a professional assess your needs and perform an energy audit. This will identify the best places to add insulation. Additionally, be sure to have your ductwork properly sealed and use energy efficient lighting. Also, consider using a room fan to exhaust moisture from activities such as cooking, bathing, and drying clothes outdoors rather than indoors.
It’s also important to keep your air conditioner clean by cleaning the filter regularly and rinsing the coils. You should also be sure your ducts are not blocked, and that the AC unit is not too big for the space.
Sealing
One of the most important energy-saving tips is to seal all leaks and cracks in your home. You can do this by using caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, electrical outlets and pipes. This will prevent warm air from escaping and cold outside air from infiltrating. This will also reduce drafts and improve indoor air quality.
A home with proper insulation and air sealing will use less energy to heat and cool. This will result in a more comfortable living space and lower utility bills. This will also help you cut your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener world.
The best way to find out where your home is losing energy is to hire a Residential Registered Vendor (RRP). A qualified technician will assess your home with diagnostic equipment such as a blower door, smoke pencil and thermal camera to locate air leaks. They will then recommend the most cost-effective solutions to correct them.
An estimated 30% of America’s heating and cooling energy is wasted due to air leaks in the building envelope. This is a huge amount of money that could be better spent on a nicer home and reduced utility bills. Air sealing reduces energy waste, improves comfort and indoor air quality, extends HVAC lifespan and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy savings with air sealing and insulation can be astronomical. A typical homeowner can save up to $3,500 in energy costs over the course of 20 years.
Proper ducting is essential for the efficient operation of your home’s central air conditioning system. A well-maintained duct system will use 5-15% less energy than a leaky duct system. You can do your part to increase efficiency by sealing leaking ducts with mastic, available at most home improvement stores.
Air sealing your home will not only cut your utility bills, but it will make your home more comfortable in any season. It will reduce drafts and keep the temperature stable, which will make it easier to regulate your heating and cooling systems. It will also protect your house against moisture, pests and mold.
Window Coverings
Window treatments are more than just a way to enhance a room’s décor; they also offer practical benefits such as energy savings. For example, drapes with a white lining reflect sunlight to help keep rooms cool without the need for air conditioning. Additionally, choosing a fabric that is woven with wool can further increase their efficiency. Window blinds are another energy-efficient option. They are available in many styles and can be opened and closed at will throughout the day to let in natural light or block it, depending on the season.
When shopping for window coverings, look for those that are certified as ENERGY STAR®, which indicates they have met specific standards for energy efficiency. Those with a Greenguard certification are also more environmentally friendly, as they have passed rigorous tests for low emissions of volatile organic compounds into indoor air.
Drapes and curtains that feature a thermal lining can add extra insulation to your windows and prevent heat from seeping in during the summer. These window treatments are also easy to use and can be adjusted to your preference throughout the day. If you have double-pane windows, consider having them fitted with insulated blinds. They can be installed on a slat or louver system that allows you to control light and privacy with the flick of a rod or the pull of cords.
According to Hunker, keeping your blinds closed during the day helps to prevent direct sunlight from heating up your home while allowing natural light in. This helps to minimize the need for air conditioning during warm weather and keeps your home warmer during winter, thereby saving you money on energy costs.
Blinds are also easy to use and can be closed or opened at any time. However, if you want to take your energy-saving efforts up a notch, invest in wood shutters. They have the advantage of reflecting heat from the sun more efficiently than other types of window coverings. This is due to the unique structure of wood, which consists of tightly bound particles at an atomic level.
Trees
Trees provide natural shade and reduce the need for air conditioning. As a bonus, they can add beauty and value to your property.
In urban areas, trees are vital for reducing the “heat island effect” caused by large numbers of buildings and paved surfaces. A shady area can be 25 degrees cooler than an unshaded one because of the process of “evapotranspiration.” Trees, with their high albedo, reflect sunlight and infrared energy, while absorbing solar radiation and releasing water vapor.
Strategically placed trees can dramatically cut cooling costs, as they shield roofs and windows from direct sun and heat. They also block sunlight in the late afternoon and morning when it is hottest, cutting cooling demand. The energy savings from shading alone can be enough to offset the cost of planting and maintaining them.
During the summer, a well-placed tree can save up to 40% of air conditioning energy. To maximize this benefit, plant deciduous trees that will shade east-facing windows from 7 to 11 a.m. and west-facing windows from 3 to 7 p.m. During these times, solar rays are low and the leaves of the trees provide effective shade.
In addition to the seasonal benefits, well-placed shade trees can help lower heating bills in winter by blocking cold winds that blow into holes or cracks in walls and frequently opened doors. It is important to select a species that is well-adapted to the climate, soil conditions, and pests of your region.
Not only do they look great, but trees can also boost the health and wellbeing of people living in cities by promoting physical fitness and social ties, while providing food, building materials, firewood, shelter, and wildlife habitats. They can also reduce carbon emissions, and help meet United Nations Sustainable Development Goals such as lowering air pollution and increasing economic opportunities for people. They are also vital for biodiversity and habitat, preserving the environment and helping to mitigate global warming. It is estimated that just three well-placed trees can save homeowners $100 to $250 a year in energy costs.