Stay Cool and Save Money: Energy-Efficient AC and Home Cooling Tips

Upgrading to a new model of AC can save you more money rather than sticking to your old unit.

When the beginning of summer comes, everyone will be looking for a place to cool off in the shade. But, one's mind inevitably wanders to air conditioning, which is responsible for a significant portion of the energy use in most Oregonian homes. Oregonians spend around $5 billion a year cooling their homes, and air conditioners use about 5% of the nation's total electricity. The result is an annual carbon dioxide emission of over 100 million metric tons or roughly two metric tons for every air-conditioned home.

You can cut your air conditioning costs by as much as half if you upgrade to energy-efficient models and take other measures to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. In some states, an ENERGY STAR-certified air conditioner may be eligible for a rebate, tax credit, or another financial incentive.

If you want your air conditioner to last as long as possible and work as well as possible, you must take care of it properly. Remember that replacing or cleaning the filters regularly is the most crucial maintenance you can do. Air conditioners can save 5–15 percent of their normal energy costs if their filters are regularly cleaned.

The temptation to stay indoors with the air conditioner on high is real, but there is a hefty price to pay for that luxury. Overall, U.S. residential customers pay about $1,345 per year on average. Also, with time and a surge in air conditioning use, this number is projected to increase. So, the important question of "How can I save money on air conditioning?" arises.

In the blazing heat, finding ways to reduce the cost of air conditioning takes work. Fortunately, certain options might help you minimize expenses without sacrificing comfort. Keep reading to find out how to cut costs on your air conditioning (and stay cool while doing it).

1. Save energy with smart temperature control

In addition to their many capabilities that provide comfort and convenience, smart gadgets are also well-known for the energy savings they provide. Saving money on utility bills is a byproduct of the automation, reduced waste, and constant comfort of today's state-of-the-art HVAC systems.

By installing smart controllers, owners of mini-splits, and portable air conditioners can save up to 25% on cooling costs. Central air conditioning customers can save up to 30% by upgrading to smart thermostats. In addition, they provide a wide variety of convenience features, such as programmability, location-based controls, Cozy Mode, air filter status monitoring, and more.

You can configure smart triggers on smart air conditioning controllers like the Cielo Breez smart controller. The air conditioner is triggered at a certain temperature to reduce its output. The amount of energy saved by doing so is substantial! If you forget to turn off your air conditioner before you head out for a stroll, don't stress about it. Thanks to the geofencing function, the air conditioning will automatically shut off as you leave the house. An intelligent air conditioner controller is a great investment that will maintain your home at a steady temperature all day and help you save money. Some of the best ways to save money on air conditioning costs are outlined below using Cielo smart AC controllers.

2. Inspect your windows and keep the heat out.

It is best to inspect and upgrade your windows before the season begins. Windows transfer 25%-30% of the heat in your home! Upgrading to energy-efficient windows is one potential option for blocking heat, but if you don't want to remodel right now, keep your current windows in good shape! If they're broken, you won't be able to save money on your air conditioning expenses.

It would be beneficial if you are looking for any symptoms of air leaks. Fixing the leaks and weatherstripping your windows will keep your cool, air-conditioned air inside and the hot outdoor air outside. This lessens the load on your air conditioner, saving you money on your cooling expenses. Once the leaks are repaired, and heat transfer is minimized, you will notice a visible difference in temperature.

According to the United States Department of Energy, 76% of sunlight on windows enters your home as heat. You can put awnings on your windows to keep direct sunlight out. This will keep your house from overheating, saving you money on air conditioning expenditures. This is a straightforward answer to the problem.

You may also block the sun from heating your living area by covering it with heavy curtains. Blinds or shades that block off heat and sunshine can also be employed. It will not only keep the heat at bay but also help you save money.

3. Cover your windows with window films

If you don't like using curtains, window films are a simple and inexpensive alternative. These are ideal for places where the heat of summer is oppressive.

There are two categories of window film: tinted films, which alter the color of sunlight entering a room, and clear films, which do not. On the other hand, reflective films are used to cut down on heat and glare, and they look like mirrors. Tinted films are less effective than reflective ones.

Window tinting and thick drapes can help keep a home at a comfortable temperature. Window light can strain your air conditioner, running it nonstop to keep the room comfortable. By blocking some sun rays, you can keep the temperature where it should be and save money on cooling costs.

4. Use Solar Screens To Block Out The Heat

You can usually keep insects out of a building by putting mesh screens outside the windows. But they're great for keeping you cool, too! A solar screen is preferable to a mesh one. They are made from a polyester-woven mesh. Furthermore, these can prevent heat transfer by blocking up to 70%.

This screen is readily available at hardware and home improvement outlets. Solar applications can use a wide range of screen densities. Choose one that doesn't block too much sunlight from getting into your home. Verify the screen density before making your final choice. Too much darkness, especially in the winter, might cause a surge in energy consumption.

5. Wisely Choose Your Lighting

If you want to save money on AC, lighting is a big factor to think about. Are incandescent and halogen lights still present in your home? If so, you should switch them out for LED bulbs. The house will be warmer if you use incandescent or halogen lamps instead of energy-efficient LED ones.

Much of the power from incandescent bulbs is lost as heat. Not only do they waste energy and heat, but they're also less efficient than LED lights. If you want to save money on your electricity bill this summer, consider updating your lights. Energy-efficient and cooler-running than traditional lights, LEDs are a great choice for any home.

Is it time to consider replacing your Air Conditioner before summer comes around? Give us a call so we can go over your options and make sure you have the right system for your home to stay cool and efficient.

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