During an ordinary summer, many homes easily maintain the temperature during the day. This year, however, many will still have to work from home and the children, who used to enjoy the camp from May to August, are also trapped. This means that air conditioners will have to work harder to ensure a comfortable body temperature.
Although many will consider it necessary, all that air conditioning can make the electricity bill incredibly high. After all, there is a big difference between turning on the air conditioner at night and making a freezing breeze blow all day.
No one wants to be sweating while having a Zoom meeting, but they also don't want to spend more than necessary, how can you save money this season? Several experts have advised us on these tricks.
Invest in a smart thermostat
Consider where you spend the most time during the day: the home office? Livingroom? The kitchen? Rather than having air conditioning in all rooms, it is better to do it only in specific areas. Unfortunately, this is tricky if you have an older unit or if your home has not been recently renovated. Fortunately, recent technological developments have created a loophole through smart thermostats, according to real estate agent AJ Olson Whitfield.
“It is time to invest in a thermostat that allows you to set a range. This helps your air conditioning unit work more efficiently to maintain a constant temperature, "he explains. "Plus, smart thermostats have eco-friendly settings to help you save on your energy bills."
Try this: Google Nest Learning Thermostat ($ 224, originally $ 249; amazon.com)
This is the first smart thermostat to receive Energy Star certification, and the company estimates that it is an investment that pays for itself with savings on two-year bills. As an added benefit, you can view consumption history, humidity levels, trends and more in the app.
Plant greenery on the sunny side of your home
Hard to believe, the exterior can have a significant impact on interior temperatures, according to interior designer Jodi Davison. By selecting climate-smart greenery and planting it on the sunny side of your home, you reduce sunlight coming through the windows. Additionally, houseplants create moisture in the leaves, cooling the air around the plant and the room. Davison recommends ficus trees or ferns for best results.
Try these: Costa Farms Live Ficus Lyrata, 2ft ($ 40.99; amazon.com)
As beautiful as they are useful, consider buying some of these. It is a mutual benefit for home decoration and temperature regulation.
Fiddle Leaf Fig ($ 195; amazon.com)
It is about 4 feet tall and this beautiful plant comes with a pot in a beautiful muted shade and lots of instructions on how to keep it alive and thriving.
Use a ceiling fan
There is a reason that ceiling fans have never gone out of style, and that is that they are one of the easiest and most efficient ways to cool any area.
"Circulating air throughout the room like a cool breeze helps make the room feel colder than it really is," explains Ward Schraeder, a DIY home improvement expert and co-host of "Bargain Mansions" on HGTV. In the summer, she says, the blade rotation should be set to force air down for best results.
Try This: Honeywell 50603 Ceiling Fan with Remote, 52 ”($ 119; amazon.com)
This stylish low-energy fan is very popular and available in three colors: white, brushed nickel, and matte black. The best part? It comes with a remote control, so you can turn it on without leaving your sofa or bed.
Repair your air conditioning unit
Whitfield explains that the saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" doesn't apply to air conditioning. It is a hard equipment that requires frequent cleaning and maintenance.
"Replace the air filters and hose down the fan coils so the units run at optimum efficiency," she says. "With this you will save on your energy consumption and make sure you spend the hottest days with a functional unit."
Try This: LG Electronics 14,000 BTU Dual Inverter Smart Window Air Conditioner ($ 533; amazon.com)
If you plan to purchase a new window unit, try this LG Wi-Fi enabled smart option. Their line of window models has been recognized for the most efficient Energy Star products and they are quite quiet.
Change your sheets and pillows
One of the most stressful times to get hot is while trying to fall asleep. Rather than keeping the air conditioner frozen overnight or having a fan on your face, experts like Davison recommend rethinking bedding. A simple change in sheets, pillows, and mattress pads can make a big difference in your ability to fall asleep.
Try these: Celliant Sheets from Sleepletics (from $ 114.99; amazon.com)
These sheets are considered an FDA medical device, and offer a luxurious hotel feel with impressive technology to keep you cool. They are created with Celliant polyester and long-fiber cotton satin threads.
Tempur-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow ($ 149; amazon.com)
While most of the time people turn their pillows to the cold side, with this option each angle offers a recess. Thanks to the double layer of Tempur-Breeze Gel, you will also feel comfortable when you rest.
Install a solar fan in the attic
You may never go up to your attic in the summer months, but it's hot and that heat seeps into the rest of your home. That is why Whitfield suggests installing a solar fan in the attic to extract hot air and promote fresh air circulation.
"It costs a few hundred dollars, but it is worth it, also with solar energy you are not adding expense to your monthly bill," he adds.
Try This: Remington Solar 25-Watt 1450 CFM Black Solar Powered Attic Fan ($ 349; amazon.com)
Not only does it reduce the temperatures in your attic, but it also fights moisture that could promote mold growth. As an added benefit, it takes pressure off your HVAC system, thereby reducing your electricity bills.
Keep a personal fan on your desk
When you're under stress, say, by working remotely, it's easy to get hot and sweaty. The increase in anxiety also causes a physical response, which could make you feel very hot for a short period of time. Instead of turning on the air conditioning, Davison suggests having a personal fan nearby that you can turn on when you need it.
Try these: Honeywell TurboForce Black Air Circulation Fan ($ 14.94, originally $ 15.99; amazon.com)
This small but powerful fan offers a breeze that you can feel from 27 feet away. Compact enough to fit on a table or cool an entire room, it features three different speeds and a 90-degree swivel head so you can aim it exactly where you want.
Gulaki Hands-Free Portable Neck Fan ($ 23.99, originally $ 29.99; amazon.com)
Wrap it around your neck and carry the breeze wherever you go. Imagine how nice you will feel.
Open the windows
If you've been cooped up at home more than usual, you may want the breeze outside more than ever. However, to keep your space cool, Whitfield suggests opening windows early in the morning and after dark, to circulate air in your area.
Try This: Deconovo Dark Curtain ($ 13.99; amazon.com)
Keep your curtains closed to reduce heat indoors. And for a little sleep later, consider blackout curtains like these, which will prevent even the smallest beam from leaking.
Use a portable air conditioner
If you live in a smaller apartment or house and don't want to buy separate living and bedroom air conditioners, consider investing in a high-quality portable option. In this way, you can carry cold air and avoid having two units running at the same time.
Try This: Dyson Pure Hot + Cool Air Purifying Fan ($ 608.19, originally $ 649.99; amazon.com)
Although expensive, this Dyson hot and cold air purifying fan is among the most highly rated on the market. Not only will it clean your air, but it will cool it down with 10 fan speeds. Set your preferred temperature, then let it do its magic all year long. That's right: it also works in winter to save you money. It is also a smart choice for those with babies.
Install cell screens
Although it can be a costly initial investment, installing energy efficient shutters, such as cell displays, can reduce overall home air use. As Schraeder explains, a well-made window covering can reduce heat transmission from the outside in.
"If you keep them closed during the day, especially on the south side of your home, your electric bill will drop substantially since your air won't have to work as hard," he says.
Try This: Sbartar Cell Phone Display ($ 46.99; amazon.com)
Sometimes called honeycomb blinds, this type of window covering filters the light streaming into your home. This not only creates a nice ambient effect that creates beautiful light, but the shape of the cell creates a barrier between the window glass and your space. In other words: it keeps it more refreshing.
Close your vents and turn on a fan
If your home is multi-level, remember that heat rises and cold air falls, says Schraeder. Therefore, one of the easiest ways to reduce electricity waste is to close the lower level air vents and open the upper level air vents. Or vice versa, depending on where you spend most of the day.
"If you want to have a more constant temperature throughout the house, turn on your fan continuously and make sure the cold air is not blocked," he continues. "This allows the fan to circulate cold air throughout the home."
Try This: 36-Inch Lasko 2510 Oscillating Tower Fan ($ 50.99; amazon.com)
From one of the most trusted brands, this Lasko oscillating tower fan can cool a very large area. In addition, it has a variety of colors and designs, so you can find the one that perfectly matches the decoration of your home.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of article posting.
