My summer game this year is how to save on the AC bill. So far, my experiment (or game) is working pretty well as I've only run the units a few times.
To be fair, as your results may differ and your system different, my house is well insulated. I also have a wrap around porch on the south side of the house. I have two AC units, one for the downstairs and one for upstairs. I also have two attic fans. So I have some advantages.
Here's what I've been doing. First, I watch the weather forecasts like a Hawk. If the temperature during the day is going above 80 degrees, I shut all of the windows. I leave a fan on my by my dogs' kennels to keep them cool. If the evening is cool, I'll open the windows all around the house. Sometimes, I'll wait until late evening when the temperature has dropped enough (at least low 70s is preferred unless you've got some great breezes). The house cools down to start the cycle again.
If it's going to be fairly hot, then I'll set the AC upstairs on for the day at about 80 - 82 degrees. That keeps it from getting really hot and doesn't run too hard. At night, I'll lower it because it's not fighting the heat outside. Maybe I can turn it off completely. Only if it's above 90 degrees will I run the downstairs unit, then in the same way.
For example, I did this today. While it got up to about 86 degrees, the downstairs was only 78 degrees and upstairs was 81 degrees. And I had never even turned on the AC. It had been cloudy for some of the day which helped, but the house is ok, and with a fan, perfectly comfortable.
I've found that fans - ceiling and others - help and cost less than running an entire compressor and house unit. After I get a full month's bill - maybe two - I can see what I'm saving. But I know I'm saving a fair amount since the units are running so little.
Yes we all experienced that air-conditioning a home can quickly raise a home's utility bill. Reduce unwanted heat from entering your home by using exterior shades, awnings and landscaping techniques. Leaks in pipes and air ducts can be repaired with duct tape.
Posted by: landscape architect sydney | 03/08/2011 at 02:27 AM
I've been worrying about my high energy bills every month. This is such a useful article for me to help save up from consuming excessive amount of energy and paying substantial amount of cash.
Posted by: furniture wardrobes | 05/14/2011 at 02:33 AM
Sealing up air leaks in your house will reduce your air conditioning costs as well as heating costs. Caulk or seal places where utilities come into your home.
Posted by: plumbing | 05/22/2011 at 12:19 AM
Homeowners must always find ways to conserve energy and to reduce high energy bills. If possible we must minimize the use of air con in our house if the temperature is just fine.
Posted by: double glazing | 06/17/2011 at 07:24 AM
We have bought an air conditioning set just a month ago and I don't think we can afford its cost. Thanks for the tips on how to save on air conditioning costs.
Posted by: Wall Art | 09/11/2011 at 07:15 AM
That was very impressive. You wait until late night to watch out for any drop in room temperature. What an effort. But still, you really managed to save on your electricity bill with ease. I have to try this in my own room.
Posted by: Dell Ledermann | 11/24/2011 at 07:36 AM
You're doing a pretty smart thing relying on the weather forecast to see if it's needed to turn on the air-con most of the day or not. It isn’t all that difficult to do, and it helps you save on your electricity bill. And it is advisable to ease on the AC use at night because the heat isn’t all that bad when the sun is down. In fact, I do that too!
Posted by: Georgia Fuller | 08/01/2012 at 08:24 AM
I like your idea of lowering the AC at night. Maybe you can actually turn it off if there’s a cool breeze, especially when it’s cloudy or raining. One thing I do to help cut my electricity bill is clean the compressor. It’s the device the cools the air coming out of the unit. The longer the compressor runs, the more the AC uses electricity, so keeping it clean can make the room cool faster and help minimize the use of the AC.
Posted by: Naoki Dieter | 08/30/2012 at 01:09 PM
Use your AC in moderation – it’ll help cut cost on your electric bill and even prolong the life span of your AC. Summer’s not enough reason to overuse your AC. Think of other ways in which you can cool down the temperature of your house like, opening windows and doors. Always find ways to keep your house cool without having to abuse your AC.
Posted by: Mignon Her | 09/24/2012 at 03:56 PM
If you’re going to buy an AC unit, go for the one that automatically turns off when there is already enough cool air in the room. This will let you cut back on your electricity costs. There are a lot of AC units that are energy-efficient and have this advanced feature. You might wanna check those out if you’re really thinking about saving up on your utility bills.
Posted by: Darryl Iorio | 10/19/2012 at 10:48 AM