Trying to escape the heat this summer? Instead of dialing up your air conditioner (and ramping up your utility bill), try one of our budget-friendly tips for staying cool—and saving money. Our 15 tricks will help you keep your home comfortable and cool without breaking the bank.
Replace Your Home’s Windows
According to the EPA, Energy Star-certified windows can save the typical homeowner $125-$450 per year in energy costs when replacing single-pane windows and $25-$110 per year when replacing double-pane clear-glass windows.
What makes a window energy-efficient?
- Improved frame materials such as wood composites, vinyl, and fiberglass reduce heat transfer and improve insulation.
- Low-E glass with special coatings reflects infrared light, keeping out summer heat.
- Gases between the panes, such as argon or krypton, insulate better than regular air.
- Multiple panes of glass with air or gas in between insulate better than a single pane.
- Warm-edge spacers keep a window’s panes the correct distance apart to reduce heat flow and prevent condensation.
Delay Heat-Producing Activities
To save energy and keep your home’s kitchen cool at dinnertime, use your grill and microwave instead of the cooktop and oven as much as possible. Plan your schedule so you can run the dryer, dishwasher, and oven in the early morning or evening rather than in the heat of the day. Air-conditioning lowers humidity as it cools the air, so you shouldn’t need to run a separate dehumidifier if you have air-conditioning.
Maximize Your Home’s Efficiency
Let your home’s central heating and cooling system do the thinking for you. When set and used properly, a programmable thermostat can save about $100 in energy costs each year. You should also protect your investment. Schedule annual preseason maintenance checkups with a licensed contractor to ensure your system is operating efficiently. Check the air filter monthly and replace it as needed. Finally, use a caulk gun to seal leaks around windows, doors, and ducts that cause drafts and make your heating and cooling system work overtime.
Turn Up Your Thermostat
The recommended temperature setting for comfort and energy savings in an air-conditioned room is 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Resist the urge to drop the temperature for a quick cool, which taxes your cooling unit.