Summer is an amazing time of year with boating, hiking, camping, and other amazing outdoor activities all in full swing. But face it; summer can be quite expensive due to the air conditioner.
Here are 10 energy saving tips to keep your power bill from breaking the bank this summer.
Replace the Unit
If you are living in a home that is 20 years or older, then you may need to consider replacing your air conditioning unit. Look for units that will cost less to run and will have energy approved standards stamped on them. This will make a large difference in the energy bill.
Alternate Methods for Meals
Turning on the oven or the stove can cause a battle between the air conditioner and the heat from the stove or oven. Consider grilling outside and enjoying your lake views, or using a microwave during these hot months. This will help keep your unit from running non-stop.
Automate the Thermostat
If you still use a manual thermostat, consider replacing it with an automatic one that you can program to keep the home warmer when you are not home. You can also program it to be cooler when the family is home.
Keep the Sun Out
Cover your windows to keep the sun from coming in and warming up the air. Use white or light colored curtains or blinds in order to reflect the heat instead of absorbing it.
Give the Unit a Break
Using a ceiling fan to move the air around inside the home instead of using the air conditioner will give it a break and save you money on your energy bill.
Cooler Showers
Instead of increasing the temperature of the home from a hot shower, take a cold one to cool yourself down. You will lower your body temperature, lower energy use from the hot water heater, as well as avoid steaming up the house.
Service the Unit Regularly
Ensure that the filter is changed on a regular bases. If the unit or the filter is dirty, the air conditioner will work harder to cool your home. This means that it will use more energy.
Check Your Ductwork
Ensure that the AC ductwork is sealed properly. Your duct runs throughout the home and if there is leak, you may be cooling places that do not need, like the attic.
Play Outside
Spend more time outside. Go jump in the lake or have a picnic.
If you spend less time in the home that means you can raise the temperature since no one is indoors. This ultimately means less energy being used.
Shut Parts Out
Have a spare bedroom or office that is rarely used? When this happens, shut off the vents or cut off those rooms with a drape. Close the vents in order to direct the cool air to the areas that are lived in.
These are just a few of the ways you can save on cooling costs this summer at the lake!
There is nothing better than a warm and sunny day at the lake with your friends and family. Your selection for food should be something that stays cool all day. You can have hot meals too, but it’s better to have some cold sandwiches just in case.
If you are more inclined to create a collection of snack foods for your picnic, you may want to try the following:
There are many reasons why people chose to grow kitchen herb garden. They produce organic and healthy harvests and are cheap as well. They are easy to grow and all they need is sunlight and warmth. In case your kitchen lacks direct sunlight, you might place your herb in other rooms as well. Now, we’re going to give you a brief explanation on how to start your own kitchen herb garden.
Containers: You will need lots of containers to put your herbs in. Look in your house if you have some unused containers. If not, check the garden stores, they will definitely have them. When you find them, create drainage holes in its sides before planting seeds/seedling.
Now is not the time to get lazy, stay active! Get outside and do what you love to do. Some people spend more time on the lake while others work on their golf game. Now is the time to really dive into the things you love doing most.
Okay, you don’t have to be on the go. Some hobbies don’t require a whole lot of physical activity, but will help prepare you on a mental level. Hobbies such as reading, writing, knitting, painting, fishing, and a number of others are all things you can do from home or in a group setting.
• Pets are great, but usually only if they are yours! If you have a pet that likes to wander, you will want to find out what it needs and try to get that for them closer to home. A “catio”, otherwise known as an enclosed patio, gives your cat that chance for breathing the fresh outdoor air, but she won’t be able to go over to the neighbor and torment his Chihuahua.
• Are you the local expert angler? Offer to take newbies on a fishing trip to share all your fishing hot spots.