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A Frugal Guide to Keeping Your Home Cool in the Summer

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You may believe that air conditioning is expensive, but it doesn’t need to be. With sweltering summers in recent years, air conditioning has become almost a necessity, but it isn’t necessary to tough it out by using only a fan in the name of saving energy and money on your electricity bills. Energy efficient air conditioners are making the prospect of cooling your home during the dog days of summer more affordable and feasible. While fans can provide a backup, there is no need to cut back on comfortable air conditioning. Below are several tips to keeping your home cool in the summer – the frugal way!

Keeping Your Home Cool in the Summer main

Do the Math
Before purchasing an air conditioner, it isn’t enough to just calculate the cost of the unit itself or what it will add to your bills in a typical month, you also need to figure out the total annual cost of running your air conditioning. You will need to look at the unit’s energy efficiency rating to see how much savings you can expect. Air conditioners with higher energy ratings have superior efficiency to other models, in some cases, well into the double digits. If you already have a unit that is over a decade old, it is also a good idea to replace it as newer models are dramatically more energy efficient. 

You also need to think about what kind of air conditioner is best for your circumstances. While you may be wary of spending money for a central unit, if you have a home larger than two rooms, it is worthwhile to invest in a central air conditioning system that will cool the entire home.

Proper Maintenance Saves Energy
Keeping your unit in excellent repair at all times will help keep it working efficiently and save you money. If you do notice a problem with your air conditioner, make sure you contact a professional that provides ac repair services as soon as possible. Letting problems continue compromises efficiency and is a huge money drain. Also, paying attention to details like keeping the air conditioner filters clean can maximize potential use. A good rule of thumb is to check your filters on a monthly bases to make sure they are free of lint and debris so they work properly.

Another way to save money on cooling is by preventing the cold air your unit generates from flying out the window. Keep your windows closed and draw the shutters during the day in order to prevent cool air from escaping. If you enjoy sunlight, sit on the patio or go outside. Letting sunlight enter the house creates hot spots that can eat up cool air and force your air conditioner to work harder. In addition, make sure your thermostat and air conditioner controls are safe from small hands. Children consider remote controls as toys, but it is no laughing matter if they are making your air conditioner work overtime.

It’s Cool to Save

Supplementing your air conditioning with the use of an electric fan is another way to help you use energy more efficiently. In addition, using a programmable thermostat to control the temperature of your home when you are not there is another way to help cut your energy costs. These programmable thermostats can actually help you save hundreds of dollars a year! 

Avoid taxing natural resources and keep your money in your bank account by using these frugal tips for keeping your home cool in the summer. It is possible to use an air conditioner in a sustainable, affordable way, and with more and more energy efficient units on the market, there is no need to deprive yourself. 

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Jamie B

Wednesday 29th of June 2016

I love these tips on how to keep your home cool without spending much money! There is a small upfront investment but I would also recommend using a portable air conditioner to just cool the room(s) you use most. The timer feature can be programmed so that it only operates when you want the room cool. This is great because you won't be paying for air conditioning when you are away from home. If you are using a portable air conditioner in a home with central AC, you can leave the central AC thermostat set at a higher temperature and save money this way too. Hope this helps your readers save more and stay cool!

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