Last year was the hottest year on record, causing many to seek the best central air solutions while suffering from the exceptional heat. While many people are becoming more conscious of their energy efficiency, the bad news is that last year’s heat wasn’t a fluke: it was the result of climate change caused by the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere, and we’re heading into oppressive heatwaves this summer too.
With sweltering temps on the horizon, you may find yourself running to turn down the temperature on your thermostat more often. But when you lower the temp, you’ll also experience a higher electric bill — especially as energy costs remain high.
We’ve compiled some tips to keep your home as comfortably cool as possible while minimizing the amount of electricity you use. Something as simple as turning on a fan or closing the blinds during the day can make a big difference. Here are six tricks to keep your home cool and use your thermostat more economically when it’s warmer outside. (For more, we also recommend investing in a smart plug or a smart thermostat, adjusting the temperature of your thermostat and weatherstripping to save extra cash.)
1. Sign up for an energy audit
If your home isn’t brand-new, the cold air inside is probably seeping out through doors and windows with spotty seals, a poorly insulated attic and other locations of sneaky cracks.
To see how well your home is holding the cold in, sign up for a home energy audit with your utility provider or a local contractor. A certified home energy rater or auditor will check your home for leaks and recommend the best way to make your home more energy-efficient.
Don’t want to spring for an audit? Do your own audit. Stand outside your home and run your hand around the windows and doors. Can you feel the cold air escaping? If you do, caulk around leaky windows and add insulation around doors.
2. Get a smart thermostat
If you haven’t upgraded to a smart thermostat — such as one by Ecobee or Nest — it might be time to make a change. Smart thermostats can regulate heating and cooling when you’re not home to save money. Plus, you can adjust the settings remotely using an app on your phone or via voice commands. Here’s our list of the best smart thermostats to help you make the best decision for your home.
3. Check the placement of your thermostat
Thermostat placement can play a big part in how well your air conditioner works. If you put the thermostat on a wall right next to a hot window, for instance, your air conditioner will kick on much more often than it needs to because it will think the room is hotter than it actually is. Here’s how to pick the perfect wall for your thermostat and the ideal temperature you should set it to.
