Summers are constantly getting hotter, especially in already warm-natured states like Georgia. As the heat increases, so do energy rates, leading to higher electric bills. But what else can you do when temperatures can rise to dangerous levels?
As Richmond Hill’s excellent HVAC maintenance company, Georgia Air Cooling & Heating has some advice on how to save on cooling costs. Our team has worked in Southeast Georgia since 2016, hiring highly experienced technicians to provide top-quality air conditioning care. Read more to learn how you can reduce energy usage and keep indoor temperatures at safe levels.
#1. Close Doors and Open Windows
Air conditioners work hard to cool the entire property. However, natural ventilation from outdoor wind can do the same thing if you want to save cash. If you close the doors to unused rooms and open your windows, you can use outdoor air to cool your home.
You would be better off using this free cooling option on a windy day. Without airflow, this process won’t benefit you very much.
Also, since Georgia is a southern state, opening windows may not be the best option, but closing doors can still help. When you close doors, you can reduce the amount of effort your AC has to put into cooling the whole house. A few of our other cooling options can also benefit from closing doors.
#2. Unplug Devices You’re Not Using
Did you know that objects you have plugged into the wall are still absorbing energy even when not in use? We see this with our phones and computers — in fact, we often leave them alone to let them charge.
This principle doesn’t just apply to your favorite devices. For example, if you have a TV and don’t use it often, that TV is still absorbing energy. Lamps, toasters, and game systems can also steadily leech energy from your property.
Unplugging them when you aren’t using them presents a year-round solution to higher energy costs. While they may not use a lot per day, the amount can add up to more substantial savings.
#3. Avoid Appliances That Heat the House
Though you may want to eat the frozen pizza sitting in your fridge, try waiting until temperatures cool down. If you’re wondering how to save on cooling costs, then consider using fewer appliances.
Ovens, stovetops, and clothing dryers can increase the ambient heat inside an already hot room. On days and weeks with record highs, the additional heat could prompt you to turn down the thermostat.
Microwaves, toaster ovens, and other smaller heating tools use less energy and produce less heat. On particularly desperate days, the smaller appliances can be a free-to-use saving grace when you already have them.
However, if you don’t have a microwave, you can find one for around $100. Occasional deals can reduce their prices to as low as $56.99. Small toaster ovens can range between $20 to $50.
If you need to dry clothes, you can try using a clothesline and make the sun work in your favor. Of course, drying outdoors doesn’t work for all clothing materials, so double-check their care conditions.
#4. Turn on Your Ceiling Fan
Plug-in and ceiling fans use substantially less energy than a full HVAC system. Because they consume less energy, you can expect to pay between $0.0011 to $0.0135 per hour to run a fan. Even if you use your fan for 24 hours straight, that’s only about $0.32 a day at most.
In comparison, air conditioners typically cost between $0.05 and $0.89 to run per hour. At most, the numbers add up to a 24-hour cost of $6.92 a day, or $207 a month. In contrast, a fan could cost $9.60 at the end of a month.
Fan wind chill can reduce ambient temperatures by six to seven degrees. To use your fan most effectively, remember to close nearby windows and doors. You can also turn up your thermostat so your HVAC system doesn’t run consistently.
You should start seeing positive results after a single electric bill, especially at the peak of summer! If you don’t already have a ceiling or other fan, a good-quality, efficient plug-in can cost around $20. Most ceiling fan brands will run closer to $100 or above without coupons or deals.
#5. Close Your Curtains and Blinds
Our technicians have a lot of experience with how different temperatures can feel when in direct sunlight vs. in the shade. That same principle works for rooms as well. Using window treatments and closing them during the day can reduce how hot your room feels.
The Department of Energy states that completely closed, highly reflective blinds can work wonders by reducing heat gain by around 45%. This number depends on the size of the room, amount of people present, and the condition of the blinds or curtains.
You may want to invest in some new window coverings, especially if they don’t close well, have stains, or look old. You can find cheap blinds for about $15 online. However, they may use poor-quality materials and not be as reflective as they need to be. More efficient and long-lasting blinds and curtains typically cost $30+.
#6. Don’t Skimp on Air Conditioner Care
While looking for how to save on cooling costs, have you paid attention to the current condition of your air conditioner? Even the most energy-efficient AC can use up more electricity than needed without proper care. The Department of Energy reports that something as simple as cleaning AC filters can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%.
If you haven’t spent time or money checking on your air conditioner’s state, now is the time to do so. While the price may vary, you can always ask for a free quote from a trustworthy HVAC contractor. Then, your air conditioner could last longer, work easier, and provide cooler air for less money.
However, if you find that your system is in too poor of a condition to continue, consider getting a new system. Buying a new AC may seem counterproductive to saving money, but it can help you do so in the long term. Energy providers, like Georgia Power, even offer rebates and incentives to upgrade old HVAC systems.
#7. Work Smarter, Not Harder
Speaking of rebates and incentives in Georgia, check with your energy provider to see if they offer deals for thermostat updates. Thermostats can help you lower your energy expenses more than you may realize. In particular, they can help you adjust the set temperature depending on the time of day.
For example, a regular thermostat will work to keep all rooms at a certain temperature, even if you aren’t home. Your HVAC system will then be working without anyone benefiting from it, causing you to lose money. You can use a programmable thermostat for many purposes:
- Setting temperatures around your schedule
- Adjusting home temperatures while you’re away
- Using a phone or mobile device to increase the thermostat
- Reminding you to adjust temperatures for different occasions
The national average to buy and professionally install a smart thermostat is around $430. This price can vary depending on the installer, the thermostat brand, and any incentives you use to pay for the installation.
#8. Add Shade Around the House
Whenever you visit the local park during the summer season, you’ll often see visitors sitting or relaxing in the shade of tall trees. Despite still being outside, merely lacking direct exposure to the sun can reduce temperatures. We see this often with people, the inside of cars, and other heat-absorbing systems.
You can try installing trees around your home, especially in the south and west-facing directions. The sun tends to shine its brightest and longest in those directions. However, we wouldn’t recommend this method if you fit one of the following statements:
- You plan on moving in the near future.
- You don’t have the budget for tree installations.
- You plan on getting solar panels for your home.
If one of those fits you, the other options will be more beneficial while looking for how to save on cooling costs.
From Free to Costly: Your Saving Options
Remember these energy-saving options we’ve presented here in order of least to most expensive. Some of these options can be more costly, but they have the potential to be free and rank higher on the list:
- Closing doors and opening windows
- Unplugging unused devices
- Avoiding large appliances using heat
- Closing curtains and blinds
- Turning on the ceiling fan
- Installing a programmable thermostat
- Calling for AC maintenance and repairs
- Installing trees around your property
However, we know several other options that could be your specific situation. If you want to learn more about how to save on cooling costs, contact Georgia Air Cooling & Heating. Our team wants you to enjoy the comfort of your home despite the increasing heat.
We can also explain other elements, like using air conditioning to reduce humidity or teaching you more about which AC you need. Call Georgia Air Cooling & Heating at (912) 756-0506 to book an appointment today!