How to Save Money on Cooling Costs

When it is hot outside, it can be a challenge to keep it cool inside. It can also be extremely costly to both the planet and your pocket to maintain a cool inside environment. The good news is that you can save both money and help the environment while keeping it cool. The ideas presented in the following steps will provide you with numerous ideas that you can use to save money on cooling costs right away.

Things You'll Need

• Curtains
• Blinds
• Insulation
• Air Conditioner Filter
• Ceiling Fans
• Programmable Thermostat
• Trees
• Weather Stripping
• Caulk
• Other Sealants

Instructions

1. Cover your windows. You can easily cut down on your cooling costs by either installing blinds or curtains on all windows of your home and using them to block the heat from the sun. This will cut down on your air-conditioner usage tremendously.

2. Change your light bulbs. You should replace all of your light bulbs with the new more energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. These new bulbs will save your money on your lighting, burn cooler and last as much as ten times longer than regular light bulbs.

3. Insulate your attic. You can save a lot on your cooling costs by adding insulation to your attic. This will prevent the heat that rises to the top of your house and the heat from the sun on the roof from making your cooling system work harder.

4. Maintain your air conditioner (cooling system) regularly. Make sure to replace your filter monthly, but do not stop there. You should also routinely check your ductwork and cooling unit for any needed repairs. Fix all problems found immediately.

5. Use ceiling fans. It is recommended that you use ceiling fans to assist your cooling system. Ceiling fans will cut down on your needed cooling, but they should not be left on in an unoccupied room. The newer models are more energy efficient, however even the older ones will save you money on your cooling costs.

6. Replace your thermostat. There are thermostats that are programmable that can save you money on cooling costs. This type of thermostat allows you to regulate the temperature when you are away from the house and at night to help keep your overall cooling costs down.

7. Plant trees around your house. You can cut down on the sunlight (and heat) that comes into your house by planting shade trees near it. This will save money on your cooling costs by lowering the temperature and the need for more inside cooling.

8. Block leaks and purchase more energy efficient appliances. Take care of any openings around doors and windows by sealing them with weather stripping, caulking or other sealant material. When you are replacing any appliances, be sure to only purchase “Energy Star” ones. Older appliances not only use more energy (cost more to run), they also put off more heat.