Ideas to Cut Down Air Conditioning Bills

Summer months can be hot and humid. Summer is a time when people start to use there air conditioners. Here are some ideas on how you can cut your air conditioning bills.

Make sure your air conditioner gets a regular maintenance. When you have your air conditioner properly maintained your air conditioners life will be prolonged. Make sure the filter gets changed at least once a month and check the owners guide to find out how to safely clean the condenser and coils. It is wise to have your air conditioner professionally serviced.

Try to have your air conditioner on the north side of your property. That way your air condition will be on the coolest side of your house so the air conditioner won't have to work as hard.

Your air conditioner should be the right size for the area that is being cooled. If the air conditioner is too small for the area it will be on constantly and it will never adequately cool the space. If the area is too large for the air conditioner then it will waste energy turning on and off too frequently.

On days that are very hot you can save energy by closing the intake on your air conditioner. Cooling fresh warm outside air requires more electricity then re-cooling air from the house.

If you have a room that is not being occupied then close the air vent in that room. You can save a lot by not cooling rooms that are not in use.

Keep your at the highest temperature that is comfortable for you. A thermostat set at 78 degrees can save you money compared to a thermostat set at 73 degrees.

You can use your storm windows to help trap cool air inside your house during hot days. And minimize the amount of times you open and shut outside doors. Make sure you close your blinds or curtains if the sun is shining into a window. And install a retractable awning on patio or deck windows to help keep them cool. Planting shade trees near your home can help keep your home cooler.

When you wash your clothes you can use cold water instead of hot water since today's detergents work well in hot or cold water. You can save a bundle of energy just by hanging your clothes out to dry instead of using a clothes dryer.It is always a good idea to use your lights sparingly. Keep the lights turned out in rooms that do not have anyone in them.