AS parts of the county are being hit by a summer heatwave, countless Americans are turning on their air conditioning.
But with temperatures going up to triple digits for some in the coming days, it is vital to know how best to utilize your A/C and how to keep energy costs down.
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The U.S. Department of Energy has revealed several ways to stay cool and why turning up the heat will help you stay cool and save cash.
One of the most common mistakes people make is that they turn on the A/C and plunge the temperature on it as low as possible.
This is inefficient and is actually adding unnecessary dollars to your energy bill.
First of all, the smaller the difference between outdoor and indoor temperature, the better, as this will mean that overall, you are cooler due to the smaller temperature fluctuation.
Users should also not turn on the A/C and blast the coldest air possible as this will not cool down the space any quicker and “could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense,” the DOE said.
And when you are not at home, keep it warmer than usual before lowering it once you return, it added.
This is supported by Energy Star, an Environmental Protection Agency program specializing in energy efficiency.
TURN UP THE HEAT
Energy Star recommends pushing the temperature up by seven to 10 degrees while not at home.
If this is done for at least eight hours a day, it can save up to 10% a year on cooling and heating costs, the DOE said.
The goal is to ensure your home is cooler but not using up excess energy to make it cold.
You want to find a temperature that makes your living space comfortable which is most cost-effective.
Energy experts across the country recommend setting your thermostat to 78 degrees which should be comfortable while also controlling humidity.
According to a consumer survey seen by USA Today, the majority of Americans set theirs to 72 degrees with no one reporting higher temperatures than 76 degrees, meaning they could all save money.
And the temperature can be bumped up even higher to around 82 degrees at night when temperatures drop outside.
Six tips to stay cool and save money during a heatwave
- Use your A/C effectively by turning up the thermostat while out of the house
- Cover up windows to block out heat
- Use fans and ventilation smartly
- Block hot air from leaking into your home
- Cut down on appliances that produce a lot of heat
- Short, cold showers
One common mistake is shutting off the A/C completely before ramping it back up a short time later.
Dr. Xiaolin Wang, senior lecturer in mechanical engineering at the Australian National University told VN Express that frequently rebooting the system from scratch can use more energy and damage the machine.
It is also key to avoid constantly having the A/C on the highest fan setting as this will increase energy usage and not evenly cool down your space with some areas being warmer than others.
GET SMART
But there are a number of steps you can take to cool down your home without even touching the A/C.
The DOE recommends that you install blinds or cover up your windows to block out heat.
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Windows are a major inlet for heat and so curtains and black-out blinds can make a huge difference.
You should also try to block any leaks that allow hot air to seep into your home, subtly warming it up.
This could be through gaps underneath doors and around windows and baseboards.
The DOE also recommends using fans and ventilation strategies to cut down heat and humidity in your home.
“Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect,” it said.
“When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from your home.
“Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).”
CUT DOWN
Another easy-to-implement tip is to cut down on using appliances that give off a lot of heat like ovens, stoves, and even dishwashers.
Cooking outside, with a microwave, or eating cold food will help reduce heat in your home as will air-drying your dishes rather than using the heated drying system.
Lastly, you don’t want to hang around in the bathroom for too long.
A common mistake people make is having a nice long shower which will increase humidity and make it harder for your A/C to function efficiently.
Short showers at a cooler temperature are best, but don’t make them too cold as this will make you feel warmer once you get out.
The key is to remember that you want as little difference between the outside and inside/body temperature to keep you cooler overall.
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