Shelley Koster
Bartlesville Realtor
We have been blessed with cooler spring weather the past few weeks here in Bartlesville, but that doesn’t mean that an Oklahoma Summer isn’t on the horizon. Here in the next few weeks the temperatures outside will rise and your electric bill will follow suite. This is a disaster for those trying to save money for summer vacation. We want to help, last week, we talked about saving money on your grocery bill, this week we want to talk about saving money on your cooling costs this summer!
Open your Windows
Like I said before, Bartlesville is experiencing some cooler weather right now and it is a good time to bank on that. Open your windows (those that have screens) and let in the cooler weather. Also, for the warmer days, that are ahead, use the same philosophy on cool summer nights in place of running your A/C unit.
Install A Programmable Thermostat
According to the EPA, a programmable thermostat can save you up to 12% on your cooling costs. They suggest programming your thermostat to cut off when you are not home, and only set it at 78ºF when you are there. Another suggestion is to only cool rooms that you frequently use with portable A/C units or fans. This is exceptionally useful if you have a larger house with rooms and offices you don’t frequent too often.
Block Out the Sun
Here comes the sun! Nope. Block it out with shades and DIY window tint in order to keep your house cooler. The natural light is beautiful and can make your home look amazing however, if it is just you and the family during the day you’ll be better off drawing the shades. This will allow you to enjoy a cooler home without racking up your electric bill.
Your A/C Unit
Your A/C unit could be costing you a pretty penny. In 2006, the Department of energy mandated that all HVAC equipment manufacturers provide a system with a minimum 13 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the SEER, the more money your unit costs you, and a unit that is ten years or older could be running close to or more than 22 SEER. You see the problem. This year, before the Summer heat arrives have your unit checked and serviced by an HVAC expert. This will save you from a costly repair later on or the unfortunate breakdown during Summer, leaving you and your loved ones highly uncomfortable.
Check your Ducts
Much like a leaky pipe, leaky ducts can be preventing cool air from ever arriving to its destination. If this is the case, then that means the money that you are using to run your A/C is being trapped under your house or in your attic. You want to have your ducts serviced once every five years to ensure that this is not happening to you.
Turn on Your Fan
Ceiling fans and portable fans are a great way to save money. Like we’ve already said, cooling single rooms will cost less than cooling the entire house.
Rearrange the furniture
Last, but not least, rearrange your furniture. Probably the last on your list as well, but it can prove to be a money saver. If you have couches or beds blocking the air vent you are preventing your home from being cooled properly. It is a good rule of thumb to never block your air vents. This will save you money and keep your home completely cooled. We hope we’ve been able to help you slash your electric bill by at least a little bit. However, we want to know what you do to save money during the summer?! Let us know by commenting below or on Facebook!
