In the heat of summer, keeping your home cool without sending your energy bills through the roof can feel like a high-stakes balancing act. Everyone seems to have tips and tricks for saving on cooling costs, but not all advice is created equal. In the points below, we cover some common energy-saving myths and uncovering what actually works to reduce your cooling bill.
Myth 1: Turning the AC Off When You’re Not Home Saves More Energy
Many people believe that turning the air conditioner off when leaving the house saves more energy than leaving it on at a consistent temperature. However, this isn’t necessarily the best strategy. When you return and turn your AC back on, the system has to work harder and run longer to cool your home back down, which can end up using more energy than if you had left it set at a moderate temperature.
What to do instead: Consider using a programmable thermostat to maintain a higher temperature when you’re not home and cool down the house before you return. Setting your thermostat to adjust temperatures automatically can save you up to 10% a year on cooling and heating costs.
Myth 2: Lowering the Thermostat Cools the House Faster
When it’s sweltering outside, it might be tempting to drop your thermostat settings lower than usual to cool your house rapidly. Unfortunately, this doesn’t work as AC units deliver air at a constant rate. Setting the thermostat extremely low won’t cool your home faster but could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
What to do instead: Set your thermostat to a comfortable and steady temperature. Typically, 25 degrees Celsius is recommended when you are home. This temperature optimally balances comfort and efficiency.
Myth 3: Ceiling Fans Keep Rooms Cool
Ceiling fans are great for circulating air in a room, but they don’t actually lower the temperature. A fan running in an empty room is just wasting energy.
What to do instead: Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms. Fans create a wind chill effect that can make the room feel cooler than it actually is, allowing you to turn up the thermostat and save on air conditioning costs.
Myth 4: Energy Efficiency is Only About the Appliance
While modern, energy-efficient AC units perform better in terms of energy use, the efficiency of your home’s cooling also depends significantly on other factors like insulation and air sealing.
What to do instead: Ensure your home is well-insulated and sealed against leaks; this can help maintain your desired temperature with less energy. Additionally, consider upgrading your heating and cooling systems. An upgrade can often reduce your energy consumption significantly by utilizing modern, more efficient technology.
Myth 5: Maintenance Doesn’t Impact Efficiency
Neglecting regular maintenance of your AC unit can lead to decreased efficiency and higher running costs. A dirty filter, for example, restricts air flow, forcing your system to work harder.
What to do instead: Regularly replace or clean your AC unit’s filters and schedule annual maintenance checks to keep your system running efficiently. This not only helps in lowering your energy bill but also extends the life of your unit.
Busting these myths and applying practical, proven strategies can lead to substantial savings on your cooling bills
Remember, effective cooling is not just about managing your air conditioning unit, but also about how you manage your entire home environment. By focusing on overall efficiency and regular maintenance, you can enjoy a cooler home without breaking the bank. Stay cool and save more this summer by being smart about your energy usage!
