The Easiest Way To Save On Your Cooling Bill That You May Not Know About

As the days get warmer, many people begin looking for ways to save money on their cooling costs. Not only is the mercury rising, but so is the cost of energy. According to World Bank Blogs, energy costs will continue to rise. Experts project energy commodities to be around 46% higher in 2023. Now is the perfect time to take steps toward making your home more cost-efficient so you can stay comfortable all year long.

By investing now in simple improvements that increase your home's energy efficiency, they will pay for themselves in the coming months and years. Energy.gov states that during the summer, about three-quarters of the sunshine hitting your basic double-pane windows turns into heat inside your home. This means your air conditioner has to work that much harder to cool your home, but there are simple solutions to help keep that hot air out and your cool air inside.

The easiest way to save on your cooling bill is to install energy-efficient window coverings. There are many types that help trap hot air and keep it from circulating inside your home. NEA suggests installing highly reflective blinds, which can practically cut the heat coming into your home by half.

If blinds are not your style, there are several other options. According to Energy.gov, draperies, which are thicker than your basic curtains that have neutral coloring and white backing, will help keep some of that heat from coming into your home. This is a good option for renters who cannot install permanent fixtures, such as blinds, in their space. Hang your energy-efficient curtains on a tension rod for exceptional protection from the heat.

The most important thing about window coverings is that they need to be closed during the sunniest part of the day to keep your home cooler. Consider leaving the curtains closed during the day and opening them later to let the evening light in.

There are many ways to save money on your cooling costs. Installing a programmable thermostat is a simple solution that allows you to control the temperature in your home when you are away. Green Mountain Energy suggests programming your thermostat when you are going to be gone for several hours, such as when you are at work or traveling. Smart thermostats could save even more money because you can adjust your temperature from your smartphone any time you are away longer than expected.

Be sure to keep your cooling system maintained so that it is always running efficiently. The best time to do yearly maintenance is before you start using your air conditioner for the season. Otherwise, you may have to compete for appointments with people in need of repairs.

Finally, keep a ceiling or other type of fan running when you are in the room. They help move cooled air efficiently in the space and give a wind-chill effect. Remember to turn off fans when you leave. Since they make the room more comfortable but do not create cool air, it is not worth the cost to run a fan in an empty space.