There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a cool, air conditioned home on a hot summer day. But let’s face it, keeping that air conditioning system running day in and day out can cost a pretty penny over the course of the cooling season. So to save a few bucks on your air conditioning bill, maybe you’ve tried putting a cold wash cloth on your forehead, turning up the thermostat, and trying to convince yourself that 85 degrees isn’t that hot. Or other similar, drastic measures that don’t do much good at all.
Then again, there are several very effective ways to cool yourself and your home while preventing your electricity bill from causing you more stress and strain than perhaps it already does.
Reduce Your Body Heat
- Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, and consider an electrolyte solution on especially hot days when you’re prone to increased sweating.
- Dress in breathable, natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or hemp.
- Soak your feet in a basin of cold water, or keep a spray bottle of water in the fridge for a refreshing spritz.
- Eat lighter meals like salads and sandwiches instead of hot, heavy meals.
Tips for Around the House
- Limit heat-producing activities during the day. Run the dishwasher and washing machine/dryer overnight, and save the vacuuming and cleaning for evening.
- Keep those shades drawn, at least until the sun moves to another part of your home.
- Use fans in conjunction with your air conditioner to help circulate cool air around your home.
- Make sure doors and windows don’t have any cracks or gaps that could be letting cool air out and warm air in.
Maintain Your Air Conditioner
- Keep your air conditioner running efficiently by cleaning or changing the air filter once a month.
- Shade your air conditioner from direct sunlight with landscaping: just be careful not to block or obstruct the fan in any way and give it plenty of room to vent heat. Place window units on the north side of the house.
- Make sure you have the right size central air system for your home. A unit that is too small will never get your home cool enough, but it’ll do a fine job of hiking up your electric bill.
Here’s another great way to stay cool and comfortable indoors while actually maintaining or reducing your monthly electrical costs when compared to the same time last year. And that’s with a multi-step cleaning and inspection from your local LBA Heroes. We know central air, ductless air, and heat pump systems inside and out, and that’s what our inspections include: both your outdoor condensing unit and your indoor heat exchanger. For more information or to schedule service, contact LBA today.
