How to Save Money on Your Electric Bill and Keep Cool

With summer on the way, many people want to stay cool. However, with job lay offs and penny pinching, people are finding ways to cut back on bills. Your electric bill goes up during the summer because of using the air conditioner. However, there are ways to save money on your electric bill and keep cool during the summer.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• air conditioner maintenance
• air filters
• programmable thermostat
• ceiling fan or stand fan
• window blinds

1. 
    
   Man servicing air conditioner

   Service Air Conditioner
   
   Yearly maintenance checks on your air conditioner is crucial. Some people do not want to pay for yearly checks, however it will save money in the long run if the air conditioner stops working after years of usage. Yearly maintenance checks will pay for itself with lower repair costs. Also during summer usage, the air conditioner will work more efficiently which will save you money on your electric bill. Schedule your air conditioner maintenance in the spring. Having your air conditioner checked yearly can also expand the life of your unit by 3 to 5 years.

2. 
    
   Air Filter

   Change Air Filters
   
   When using your air conditioner, please make sure to change the air filter monthly. Dirt and debris gets clogged in the filter causing inadequate air flow. Dirty air filters are the main reason air conditioners break down which will cost more in repairs. Air filters only costs about $5.00 which is a lot less than spending hundreds to have the air conditioner repaired.

3. 
    
   Programmable Thermostat

   Programmable Thermostat
   
   Install a programmable thermostat in order to save money on your electric bill. When away from home, have it programmed to about 82 degrees. If you are going to be home from work at 6:00p.m, have it programmed to automatically turn on around 5:00 p.m to 78 degrees. This will cut about 5 to 20% from your bill.

4. 
    
   Keep blinds closed.

   Block out the Sun
   
   During the summer months the goal is to keep your home cool. Keeping your blinds closed and even curtains shut as well will keep out the sunlight. This way your air conditioner is not working extra hard to cool off your home.

Tips & Warnings

• On cooler days, try turning off the air conditioner and use the ceiling fan or a stand fan.
• Use compact fluorescent lightbulbs.

Resources

• ehow Home and Garden Topic Guide

[cclofmead]

on 6/14/2009 Timely tips for saving on the electric bill and keeping cool!! 5*

[ruf1950]

on 6/14/2009 Excellent suggestions to keep cool and prolog the life of your a/c. 5****

[godfather25]

on 6/13/2009 Great tips on saving money on your electric bill. 5*

[botticelli728]

on 6/13/2009 I don't have an air conditioner, but these tips are great for those who do. It's amazing just how much different it makes to block out the sun.

[athome]

on 6/12/2009 Thank goodness for air conditioning, good tips I forget to change the air filter all the time. 5*