Cheap Ways to Lower Your Electricity Bill
In the summer we become largely dependent on our beloved air conditioners. But that adoration can quickly dwindle once we are hit with the monthly utility bill. Fortunately, there are simple, cost-effective ways you can save electricity and energy, without letting your home become a sauna.
Affordable Ideas for Lowering Cost of Energy
When the sun is shining through your windows all day, the light intensifies the heat in your home, making your air conditioners work significantly harder to cool your home.
One way to help reduce the amount of heat entering through the windows is to place solar screens, or transparent window films, on the exterior of the windows to help filter the sun’s rays and reflect light. By reducing the amount of sun and heat absorbed through the windows, your AC won’t have to waste so much energy working to cool your home.
There are also some simple and affordable adjustments you can make in your home, such as:
Switching to LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs. They use less energy but offer same amount of light.
Raise thermostat a few degrees when no one is home.
Shut off all lights and close blinds during the day, especially on the windows facing west and south.
Put a fan in open window that is in a dark, shaded part of the house facing away from the sun, and another facing outside, towards the sun, to blow away the warm air.
Save doing the dishes and laundry for when it is dark out, as these heavy-duty appliances can radiate a lot of heat.
Air Conditioner Maintenance for Lowering Energy Costs
If you have an outdoor air conditioning unit, it is recommended to place it, if possible, in a shaded area to help conserve energy and money by using less electricity. Be sure you do not place it under a tree or plants that may result in fallen branches/leaves getting in the vents.
If you want to control the temperature of your home, not only do you need to manage the amount of heat coming in through the windows, but you also need to regulate how much cool air escaping.
When people hear the term “insulation” they usually relate it to warmth, but insulation can also be used to keep you cool, too! It is important to make sure all doors, windows—even your attic!—is properly insulated and air isn’t escaping it shouldn’t be. HVAC companies can help with this through duct sealing services, as well as changing your air filter every month. When too much dust, dirt and debris clog the filter, it prevents proper air flow throughout your home.
It is also important to make sure your air conditioner is the proper size for the room/space you are trying to cool. According to The Department of Energy, if you have a unit that is too big for your home, it can actually result in reduced efficiency and higher bills. You may also experience inadequate air flow and temperature fluctuations.
Best Energy Efficient Window Treatments
Curtains aren’t just something to complement your home’s décor. Did you know that bare windows can be to blame for as much as 45% of a home’s accumulated heat? According to The Department of Energy in the United States, energy efficient window treatments can reduce heat in homes by 77% by acting as a buffer between indoor and outdoor temperatures.
There are a number of factors to take into consideration when buying curtains to keep your home cool. Light coloured curtains, for example, generally reflect sunlight. But the fabric also matters.
Blockout Roller Blinds are one of the best ways to completely block out the sun’s rays. Typically, their inner curtain is made out of a white fabric that reflects heat, a middle light-proof panel that doesn’t let light through, and a darker fabric on the side facing the room. You can choose from a number of different colours and designs for the fabric facing your room. There are even some types of these curtains that you can reverse according to the season.
Some homeowners don’t want their rooms to be completely dark, though. But is there a way to still let light in—without the warmth? Actually, there is! There are window treatments that let light in while trapping the heat. One popular option is honeycomb, or cellular, shades, which have side pockets and offer insulation by trapping air in them.
Roller blinds are very versatile and come in a wide range of Australian, award-winning fabrics and designs. You can even get them ready-made! As stylish as they are convenient, these blinds’ thermal insulation can protect your home’s furnishings from harmful UV rays while also help keep temperatures low.
