HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Temperatures outside may be rising along with fuel prices, but what you pay month to month on your utility bill doesn't have to.
Here are some tips help you save money this summer:
- Operate your thermostat more efficiently.
- Set your thermostat at a temperature you find comfortable and that provides humidity control, if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
- You should also keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need cooling.
- Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn on your air conditioner, because it won't cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and an unnecessary expense.
- Use fans and ventilation strategies to cool your home.
- Turn off your ceiling fans when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
- And when you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from your home.
- Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation.
- Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside and not just to the attic.
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Additional tips from Alabama Power:
Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise to help cool rooms.
Ensure air conditioning vents are clear and opened to full capacity.
Get your air conditioning unit serviced to ensure it’s working efficiently.
Clean the range-hood grease filter to ensure proper ventilation.
Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils to improve efficiency.
Remember that dark colors absorb heat. You can repel excess heat by using light-colored blinds, shades and draperies on the sunny sides of the house. Make sure the draperies are insulated or lined.
Use natural lighting early in the day and late in the afternoon to reduce your energy usage.
Use ventilated awnings and other shading devices to prevent heat from entering windows exposed to direct sunlight.
Hang your laundry outside to dry. By not running your dryer all the time, you are reducing energy usage and possibly adding more years to this major appliance.
Use a bathroom exhaust fan or open a window to remove heat and moisture when the bathroom door is closed. This spares the air conditioner extra work.
Don't let your kitchen exhaust fan run more than 15 minutes, or it will be taking out conditioned air.