In 2021, the average American paid about $117 a month on their energy bill. The cost of cooling your home can be a burden, and you may be stressed about paying for it. If you have a massive AC energy bill, you’re probably looking for ways to decrease the amount.
There are many things you can do to reduce the amount you pay each month. Keep reading to find out easy tips and tricks that can help you save money.
Regular HVAC Maintenance
While it may not seem important to have your HVAC system checked once a year, it can help reduce your massive AC energy bill significantly. A professional in Ohio will be able to spot any issues and fix them before they cause too much damage. Having the system cleaned will also keep it running efficiently.
Tint Your Windows
You may love the natural light that your home gets, but it may be the cause of your high electric bill. If the sun shines directly into your house, you may want to invest in window tinting, curtains, or shutters.
These items can help keep your home cool during the day when the outside temperature is high. Your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard to cool the place down. While you’re doing this step, you should also check your windows for broken seals and cracks.
If the window isn’t properly sealed, the outside temperature will come into your home and the AC unit won’t be as efficient. The same thing goes for the doors. You won’t want to waste money by letting your cool air outside.
Insulate Your Home
Having your home insulated isn’t a cheap project. However, you can save up to 15% on your heating and cooling costs by insulating your basement, attic, and crawl spaces.
Insulation helps keep cool air in during the summer and slows down the rate at which heat leaves during the winter. You can also insulate your hot water heater to reduce the amount of heat that escapes.
Schedule an Energy Audit
Having an audit performed each year will help you identify where you are spending the most money. Typically, utility companies in Ohio will offer a free audit and give you advice on what changes you can make.
It’s crucial to have these audits done regularly, so you can always stay on top of your bill. Once you have the audit list, you can make changes accordingly. These might change during different seasons.
An easy change you can make is by moving your refrigerator to the basement instead of keeping it in the garage. The garage has more exposure to outside temperatures. The basement’s temperature will be more constant and monitored.
Upgrade Your Appliances
As your appliances age, they become less efficient. The less efficient they are, the more money you’re going to spend on your electric bill.
It may take two or three years for your appliances to pay for themselves, but it’ll be worth it. Take a look at all the appliances you have in your home. They may not need to be replaced all at once.
If a new washing machine or refrigerator is not in your budget, there are still ways you can save. Your fridge and freezer will use less energy if it’s full too.
Washing your clothes with cold water and only washing full loads can help. Every time you switch your laundry to the dryer, be sure to clean out the lint catcher.
This will speed up the drying process. Adding dryer balls to the load will also decrease the amount of time the clothes need to dry.
Another option is to hang your clothes to dry. This may not be possible in the humid Ohio summers, but it can be helpful in reducing your bill during the upcoming fall season.
Change Your Filters
Set a reminder to change your AC filter. Having someone come in once a year is not often enough for the filter. You should be taking the time every 30 days to change them out.
They collect dust and other particles that after a while block airflow, which makes it hard to cool your home. Switching out the filters only takes a few minutes, and the filters are affordable. Be sure to get the right size, though.
Invest in Solar Panels
If you’re looking to save a lot of money, consider solar energy. Installing solar panels has a lot of upfront costs, but you’ll save money every month. They are very efficient and you can get money back from the government.
If you aren’t ready to install panels, you can purchase solar lights for your yard. They absorb energy from the sun during the day and then run all night without costing you a dime.
Your outdoor lights probably run all night long, which can be a waste. You can save money by installing motion detector lights that turn on when someone approaches.
Massive AC Energy Bill
Owning a home is a lot of work, and there are a lot of bills that have to be paid including your utility bill. If you have a massive AC energy bill, follow the steps above to reduce the cost.
There are many ways that you may start to feel overwhelmed. Start by making one change at a time so you don’t become too stressed.
Many homeowners come to us with their heating and cooling needs. If you live in Mt. Vernon, Fredericktown, Howard, Gambier, and Bellville and you’re ready to install a new HVAC system, contact us.
