Your home should be your sanctuary; the most comforting place in your life. So when you get your electric bill and feel the need to move into a 400 square foot studio apartment you probably get the feeling there should be some changes made in your energy using habits. When those degrees start rising, keeping your home cool without putting your bank account in to a deficit can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to keep your bill at a more affordable price tag.
Kitchen usage
Are you the chef of the house? Just the use of your kitchen can generate enough heat to warm your home and kick on that unit. Make sure to use proper ventilation when using your stove top or oven, better yet, use the grill as much as possible during the summer months. Why not? It’s healthier, keeps your home cooler, and prevents that dreaded bill getting any higher. Do not turn your ac unit up in hopes to cool your home and prevent your home from getting any warmer, it is almost as bad as turning your ac on with the doors open. Ventilate your kitchen if you absolutely must use your oven.
Ideal Temperature
Did you know that an air conditioner set at 70°F costs almost twice as much as one set at 78°F? It is suggested that you should raise your thermostat by two degrees above your normal setting to save on your bill. The two degrees are unnoticed but the savings surely will not go unnoticed. 78°F is a standard temperature for most, if you need to leave your home, do not turn off your unit, and instead set your thermostat to 80 degrees. You can lower it back to 78 degrees when you are home. People often make the mistake of turning off their unit entirely in hopes to save money, this actually makes your unit work longer and harder to re-cool your home.
Maintenance is key
Make sure to maintain a clean system. Always replace air filters, anything needing maintenance can use more energy than needed to run.
Windows
The type of window you have can make a big difference in your energy usage. Invest in your home. 2 paned windows keep heat out of your home. If you do not feel the inspiration to replace every window in your home at this very moment, you can also invest in good thick curtains. There are a lot of options for black out curtains that shield your home from unwanted rays that can heat up the room. A greener option? Consider planting trees in front of your windows to shield naturally.
Use your ceiling fans
Use your ceiling fans, and make sure they are set to spin counterclockwise in the summer, and reverse in the winter. Counterclockwise send the air down towards you, keeping you cool, clockwise circulates the cool air up sending warm air down, after all heat rises, we need to circulate!
Be Conscious
Develop healthy saving habits all around your home. Keep lights off when not needed. Turning on the light switch becomes a habit, make sure to be aware when turning on a switch, sometimes we don’t need the extra light. Unplug, if it’s not being used at that very moment. Monitors, candles and lights all produce heat in your home, turn them off when you are not using them.
Less space = more savings
Don’t start packing for your 400 square foot studio just yet! If there are rooms in your home that are only used on special occasions, you can shut the air vents to redirect your air elsewhere. This lowers the square footage that needs to be cooled down. No need to cool down the guest or dining room when they are not in use until thanksgiving!
Consider your Roofs condition
Keep your roof in good condition. Did you know the old tar and tile roofing method can actually
encourage heat retention in your home? When the time to replace or maintain your roof comes,
consider a newer roofing method. You may see a bigger price tag initially, but the savings in the long run are worth it.
I hope some of these tips keep your bill low and your home as comfortable as it should be!
