Since the dawn of the air conditioner, summer usually means higher energy bills as our homes are kept at cooler temperatures. With many people working from home due to the pandemic, you might see that bill rise even further. However, there are things that you can do to decrease the amount of energy that you use to cool your home and therefore keep that bill from breaking the bank. Here are a few things to consider.
Energy Bills in Colorado
Firstly, you'll want to make sure that your air conditioner is running as efficiently as it possibly can. Having a licensed technician check up on your unit, will lead to a more optimized system so it can perform its job better. Just like taking your pet to the vet, having regular check-ups on your unit will increase its lifespan. Also, did you know that your air conditioning unit will not perform as efficiently as it can when it’s getting hit by direct sunlight the entire time it’s running? Combat the sun by planting shade trees or other shrubbery between your unit and those unrelenting rays of sunshine. Furthermore, mature trees will shade your home in general, which will also lead to you relying less your AC.
Major landscaping projects can be costly, but there are cheaper things you can do to keep out the sun. Curtains, drapes, and Venetian blinds are great alternative options. Heat generated from home appliances like washers and dryers are known to confuse some thermostats and cause your air conditioner to run longer when it doesn't have to. So, make sure to place your thermostat away from big appliances. When was the last time your AC's filter was replaced? These air filters usually collect lots of dust and dirt a month into the summer, so make sure to check them regularly. Air filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to swap out.