7 Finance-Friendly Ways to Beat the Summer Heat
Summer is here, which means both the temperatures and your utility bills are on the rise. In many areas, summer sparks higher energy demand, causing the market price to increase. Variables such as the kids being home from school, hot weather, and pool filters can easily affect your utility bills.
Fortunately, there are many ways to get around the high expense of staying cool all summer long. New Era Debt Solutions suggests these tips for having a comfortable and affordable summer:
Give Your Air Conditioner a Break
The easiest and most cost-effective way to trim costs during summer is to turn off the air conditioner and open the windows instead. Your window can be the main resource for keeping the house cool. Only switch to using the air conditioner when it becomes too unbearable. If it gets extremely warm, close all the windows and set your thermostat a few degrees lower.
According to The Department of Energy, you can save 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours a day.
Turning off the air conditioner while you are sleeping or during the day when no one is home will increase your overall savings.
Keep the Shades Drawn
Window treatments and blinds don’t just decorate your home, they can also help you save energy. They prevent direct sunlight from entering your home, which keeps the house cooler. The Department of Energy found that drapes can reduce heat gains by 33%.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A smart thermostat is a great start to becoming energy efficient this summer. It allows you to program what hours the house will be vacant and what hours you will be asleep. During those times, it will adjust the temperature accordingly. Check with your electric provider to find out if they offer a rebate for installing a smart thermostat.
Spend More Time on the Lowest Floor of Your Home
If you live in a two-story home, spend more time downstairs. Heat rises, so the air will feel cooler the lower you are. If you have a one-story home, try putting your mattress on the floor if the air feels cooler down there. Even if you do run the air conditioning, you will not need to run it as long.
Set Your Ceiling Fan to Run Counterclockwise
Most people don’t realize that their fans need to be adjusted seasonally. Ceiling fans provide a better cooling effect during summer when they blow air directly below the blades. To achieve optimal air flow, make sure your fan is running counterclockwise in summer and clockwise during the winter months. Whole house fans use about 90 percent less electricity than a central air conditioning unit.
Clean the Air Conditioning Vents
In order for an air conditioning unit to function efficiently, its filters, coils, and fins must be maintained regularly. Dirty air filters mean that your air conditioner has to work harder. Not only does this increase your power bill, it also is likely that the unit will break down. An expensive repair bill is the last thing you need while trying to save money.
Grill Outside of the House
Try to reduce the amount of cooking you do inside your home. Cooking indoors brings extra heat into the house. By using the grill as much as possible and avoiding the hot oven, your home will stay cooler, resulting in a lower electric bill.
New Era Debt Solutions has settled more than $275,000,000 dollars of debt since 1999 and wants you to be our next success story. If you need assistance achieving financial freedom, contact one of our friendly counselors at New Era Debt Solutions to learn more about finding the debt relief option that best fits your needs and budget. Our counselors are with you every step of the way.