Save Money on Your Cooling Costs this Summer
It’s true, heating and cooling costs can eat up almost half of your household budget. Thankfully our team of HVAC experts from Lawes have put together several ways you can cut your air conditioning costs this summer. So don’t sweat it, see our list below and start saving money today!
Add some Plants Around Your Home
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You can immediately reduce air conditioning costs just by adding leafy plants and trees around your home. A lot of the heat that builds up in your home comes from direct sunlight. The addition of this greenery will help block the sun’s rays that heats up your home (plus, it will add to your curb appeal, keeping your property looking beautiful for many years to come).
Shut the Windows
Yes, we know that New Jersey winters can be long, so when the weather starts warming up, opening the windows and airing out the house seems like a necessity. Unfortunately, once the summer heat beats down, these open windows let a lot of heat in making it harder to cool things down. And while you’re at it, close up those shades, too. Once the sun sets, and you’re craving some outside air, open them up to let in the cooler nighttime air. Another tip to consider, (definitely worth the time and effort) is to check for air leaks in your home.
Use Your Thermostat Correctly
Making the switch to using a programmable thermostat can result in amazing energy savings but there’s a catch…you actually have to program it and program it correctly. Pay attention to the times that your family is up and at home. Those are the times your thermostat should be set a little lower. If you are going to be gone at length or for when you are asleep, you can set the thermostat a few degrees higher. These little changes can save you upwards of 15% on energy costs a year. See our recent post, “Are You Using Your Thermostat Efficiently?”, by clicking here. for more tips and tricks from the HVAC experts at Lawes.
Bigger is not Always Better
Central air conditioning is one of the great conveniences today, but it can also be a very costly convenience if it’s not maintained properly. Ensure you have the proper HVAC size unit for the size of your home and then take care of it. Follow our quick tips to make your HVAC last longer in our recent post.
Flip on the Fan
A typical central air conditioning unit uses 3,500 watts of energy when running. A typical ceiling fan uses 60 watts of energy, even when running on high. Although ceiling fans do not actually lower the temperature in a room, they circulate the cool air in a room (creating a breeze effect) to help you feel cooler on hot summer days. Using an air conditioner and a fan together means you can set the thermostat at a higher-than-normal setting to save energy (and money).
Cooling Specialists in NJ
Don’t forget to contact us here at Lawes Home Comfort Specialists for all of your HVAC needs! Although our business hours are 8am-4:30 Monday through Friday, we’re available nights, weekends and holidays for emergencies. Contact us today at 732-741-6300 and we will be more than happy to assist you!