As the mercury rises, so does the cost of keeping cool, especially for those who live in apartments, where air conditioning might be more of a necessity than a luxury. But higher energy bills during the searingly hot summer months don’t have to be an accepted fact of life. There’s a need to help make your home comfortable and enjoy economic cooling. Read on to understand how to save money on air conditioning in an apartment.
This blog acts as a primer on how to empower you to implement effective measures that should help you run the air conditioner in a controlled manner; it will teach you how to adopt and adapt cost-effective cooling practices to fit your daily schedule.
How to Save Money on Air Conditioning in an Apartment
As the temperatures shoot up during the summer months, the electricity bills soar mainly due to the use of air conditioning in apartments. So, you must find ways to cool your living space but don’t spend much more than necessary. A strategic management plan for using air conditioning and inculcating ways to save on cooling costs will help.
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Throw Some Shade Around the House
This can significantly help reduce indoor temperatures and create natural shading around your apartment. This can include planting trees or bushes next to the windows that tend to get more sun exposure. Inside, use some tall plants or room dividers to block and absorb solar heat so your AC system will have to work less intensively.
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Cover Your Windows
Windows can convert up to 76 percent of incoming sunlight to heat. Install blinds, curtains, and drapes to decrease indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees. Choose reflective blinds and blackout curtains for peak sunlight hours.
Be Smart About Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can be set to make your space comfortable when your lifestyle necessitates it, thus saving you a lot in unnecessary cooling costs. Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you are not home, and cool the house down before arriving. This could save about 10% per year on your cooling and heating bills.
Put In Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans circulate air in a room, allowing you to set your thermostat higher. This will, in turn, help you feel cooler, thus reducing your energy costs. Fans use much less energy to run than air conditioners, making them an effective way to supplement your AC.
Service Your AC
Servicing maintenance carried out on the air conditioning unit at regular intervals ensures proper operation. This includes cleaning and changing filters, checking for leaks, and seeing that there is generally no obstruction in the system. An annual service can prevent more significant, more costly repairs in the future.
Go for a State-of-the-Art Cooling System
If you have an older, less efficient air conditioning unit, an upgrade may be needed to newer, more efficient equipment. Look for the ENERGY STAR label — a sign the gadget meets strict energy-efficient guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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Seal all Leaks
Ensure cool air isn’t escaping your apartment through unsealed windows and doors. Use weather stripping or caulk to save on the efficiency of your AC.
Minimize Using the Stove and Oven
The indoor temperature increases significantly while cooking on hot days. Go for salads, microwaved foods, or some outdoor grilling so that you don’t overwork your AC yet still manage to get the apartment cooler.
Head for the Basement
If you live in a multi-story building and have access to a basement, use it during the hottest part of the day. Basements are naturally cooler, and the time spent there will result in a need to lower the thermostat.
Open the Windows, Keep the Doors Shut
Open the windows and dispense with using the AC during cooler parts of the day or night when there is a cool breeze that will help lessen the temperature. Conversely, keep doors closed in rooms that are rarely used to maintain the cooled air in rooms that are used more frequently.
Unplug Unused Devices
Electronics generate heat and contribute to the general heat load in your apartment. Unplug chargers, turn off computers, and unplug appliances when not in use to keep your apartment cooler.
Speak to Your Electric Company About Assistance
Most utility companies offer various programs to help you manage your energy costs, such as free energy audits, rebates for purchasing energy-efficient home appliances, and special billing options that can reduce your monthly payments.
Wash Your Filter
A dirty air conditioning filter blocks airflow, and the system will struggle to operate, increasing energy costs. A clean filter can cut the energy consumption of your air conditioner by 5% to 15% if it is cleaned every month during the cooling season.
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Check Your Humidity
If it’s too high or too low, high humidity levels will make the apartment feel too warm. Use a dehumidifier or use the dehumidification setting with your AC if it is so equipped. Doing this will dehumidify and cool the room, reducing the need for using lower AC settings.
Let’s Not Leave the Fan Behind
The portable fans can be used with your AC to blow cooler air more effectively throughout your apartment. By raising your thermostat a couple of degrees, you could reduce your energy bill.
Leverage Tax Credits
Invest in energy-efficient equipment that qualifies for federal tax credits. Such incentives can offset the high initial buying price for highly efficient systems, making the upgrading less costly.
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Conclusion
Now, there is no need to shiver at the thought of controlling how your apartment is. Simple strategies like optimizing your AC, using the art of natural cooling, and taking care of your equipment will afford you a cooler apartment and spare you the energy expenses. Follow the tips mentioned in this blog to grasp how to save money on air conditioning in an apartment.
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