Save energy at home during the peak of summer in Columbus, Ohio, when outdoor temperatures rise quickly and energy use increases. As the heat builds, your cooling system works harder, and that often leads to higher monthly utility bills. Many homeowners feel the strain as energy costs climb right along with the temperature.
The good news is that there are simple, practical tactics you can use to stay ahead of those rising expenses. With a few smart adjustments, you can keep your home cool and comfortable while keeping your energy costs under control. Below, we’ve outlined straightforward strategies to help you manage the heat and reduce unnecessary energy use all summer long.
Mind Your Thermostat To Save Energy at Home
Even though it may be tempting during the hottest days of summer, it’s best to avoid lowering your thermostat to a cooler setting than you normally would. Doing this won’t actually cool your home any faster, but it most likely will result in excessive energy costs. In fact, it’s good practice to set your thermostat as high as you can while still maintaining comfort. For every degree you adjust your thermostat, you could save approximately 3% on energy costs.
When you’re away from home, such as during the workday, set your thermostat to a higher temperature so that you won’t be cooling your home unnecessarily. Somewhere around 75ºF is good to save energy and prevent your house from overheating. Once you return, flip the AC back on and enjoy the cool indoor air.
Utilize Windows
Take advantage of those cool summer evenings in Columbus, and instead of relying 100% on your AC, turn off your cooling unit, open a few windows at night, and embrace the fresh air. This will not only help lower your home’s energy costs, but it will also improve your home’s ventilation, which will help you maintain better indoor air quality during the summer season.
To save energy at home, close windows and blinds early in the morning before outdoor temperatures rise. Blocking direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day reduces indoor heat gain and limits how hard your AC must work. By managing when you open and close windows, you control airflow more effectively and reduce unnecessary cooling costs.
Fans Are Your Friend
Both ceiling fans and portable fans use less energy than constantly running your air conditioning unit. In fact, by turning on your ceiling fans, you can raise your thermostat setting approximately 3 to 4 degrees with absolutely zero effect on comfort. Adding a few box or stand fans around your home can also keep the air moving and temperatures down without the hefty expense of running your AC full time.
To save energy at home, make sure your ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise during the summer to push cool air downward. This improves circulation and helps rooms feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. You can also turn fans off when you leave the room, since they cool people, not spaces. Small adjustments like these reduce strain on your AC system and help you stay comfortable while lowering overall energy use.
Take Care of Your AC
For the times when you are running your home’s cooling system, you’ll want to make sure that your air conditioner is not only functioning but doing so optimally and efficiently. The best way to make sure your air conditioner is running at its best is to have a maintenance check performed. By having an expert technician check over your HVAC system, you’ll rest assured that your system is operating as it should and not wasting any energy while running. Maintenance checks also prevent HVAC emergencies, which are all too common during the summer months. If you’re in need of a check-up for your system, schedule an appointment with us today.
Our expert technicians at Aire-Flo have been proudly serving the Columbus area since 1951, so we understand how to keep your home comfortable during the summertime in Ohio. Trust us with all your home comfort needs; from simple AC repairs to installing a new energy efficient HVAC system, we’ve got you (and your home) covered.