Karinkay

Most people have had an electric bill that was unexpectedly high. But the truth is most electricity bills are higher than they have to be, especially when it comes to heating and cooling. Good maintenance and energy-friendly habits can make a substantial difference in how much it costs to keep cool this summer.

Each degree below 78F can account for an 8% increase in energy use. Dialing up, each degree can save 1-2% on the cost it takes to cool a home. While sweltering at home isn’t appealing, consider getting a programmable thermostat. By setting temperatures and times with this gadget, homeowners can avoid paying for air conditioning when they aren’t home to appreciate it. And don’t waste cool air on unused rooms, either. Close vents and doors to spare bedrooms to save even more.

For the cooling units themselves, practice good maintenance and see costs reduce without sacrificing comfort. Window units should be shaded from the sun, on their outdoor side. Too much exposure to direct sun on the heat exchanger can significantly impair the unit’s efficiency—up to 10%. Another 10-15% efficiency drain is attributed to incorrectly maintained air filters. These should be replaced monthly, but many go unchanged for months on end. Air conditioner air filters are inexpensive and usually easy to replace.