How can you save on energy when the weather is very hot and humid?
It is easy to come up with energy-saving tips when you can tolerate the weather. You can just find alternative means to keep yourself cool. You can opt to just open the windows to let the breeze in. There is also the option to wear thin clothing or drink cold beverages.
But what if you are in the midst of a very hot and humid summer season? Will you sacrifice your level of comfort and just sweat it out just so you can save on your electrical bill?
The good news is you do not have to. There are effective energy saving tips that will help you lower your electric bill without compromising your need for air conditioning.
Keep the temp down at night
The temperature is generally cooler at night. You do not have to turn off the AC but you can lower the temperature while you are sleeping. This will help you save on energy consumption. You can time it so the temp will automatically adjust before you wake up.
Close vents in certain areas
There are areas in your home that are cooler than the rest. For instance, the basement is usually cooler because of its location. You might want to close the vent in this area so you can save energy if you have a centralized air conditioning unit.
Have a portable or window unit
If there are certain areas in your home that you spend most of your time in during the day, you might want to invest in a portable or window unit for it. For instance, if you have a home office and you spend the whole day there, have a window unit installed in it. You can shut off the centralized air conditioning unit while you are there. Or if you and the children opt to stay in just the living room and kitchen during the day, you can do the same. This will make you consume less energy while keeping everyone cool.
Take care of your AC unit
Another way to make your AC unit consume less energy is by making sure that it is well-maintained. It has to go through the regular maintenance check-ups – usually once a year. You should also clean it properly. A dirty filter or duct can compromise its efficiency and thus make it consume more energy in order to achieve the right temp. When your AC is in good condition, it will not work harder than it has to.
