3 Tips For Keeping Your Cooling Costs Lower

The warmer months can often result in astronomically high utility bills, especially if you live in an area with dangerously hot and humid weather. Fortunately, there are ways you can keep your cooling costs lower and avoid unnecessary stress on your system while continuing to be comfortable when it is hot.

1. Cook Strategically

Many people associate the warmer months with using the grill and eating more simple foods, such as sandwiches and salads since they require little or no cooking. Unfortunately, this is not practical for everyone, so you may need to use your oven and range for daily meals. To be more strategic about using your oven and heating up your home, consider meal planning. Try to pre-cook the major items, such as proteins, in large batches, once every few days or weekly.

Fortunately, many vegetables can be cooked inside a microwave, either in their original form or can be purchased in the frozen food section, packaged in steamer bags. If possible, leave your cooking for after dark when it will be easier to cool the house back down. People who have an exhaust system over their range should turn it on when cooking because it can also help vent heat and keep the kitchen and your home cooler.

2. Dehumidify

An adequate air conditioning system for your home should do a good job of regulating the humidity in your home, but this is not always the case. For some people, their air conditioning system may not be sufficient for their home or they may simply live in an area that is oppressively humid. When humidity levels are elevated in your home, it can be nearly impossible to feel comfortable, no matter how long the air conditioner is running. If it is within your budget, you might consider adding or upgrading a whole-house dehumidification system.

A dehumidification system removes excess moisture from the air, thereby making the environment more comfortable. If this is not within your budget, you might consider more economical ways of reducing humidity. Room-sized dehumidification systems can be more affordable, and you can purchase them on an as-needed basis. Start by adding a dehumidifier to rooms that are notoriously humid, such as bathrooms, basements, and the kitchen. Large boxes of silica gel can be used to dehumidify and can often be reused by drying out the silica gel once it has absorbed the maximum amount of moisture.

3. Be Mindful Of Light Sources

Whether natural or artificial, light will quickly drive up the temperature inside your home, causing you to run the air conditioner more than needed. It is best to use blackout curtains throughout your home, so less natural light comes inside the windows. If you want to let in some natural light, just be more strategic about opening the curtains by only opening ones without direct sunlight and only open them in rooms you are currently using. Of course, you need some light in your home.

Try to use lamps, book lights, or other small sources of light instead of light fixtures that illuminate the entire room. For lamps and light fixtures, you might choose to switch to a lower wattage bulb that provides enough light for you to see but will be less likely to generate as much heat.

Cooling your home during the warmer months can easily make a dent in your wallet. Being mindful of ways to keep your house cooler will place less stress on your air conditioning system and wallet. For more information, contact your local air conditioning installations service.