Autumn is here and that means cooler weather is on the way, but you might also know this from the scorching temperatures that persist in some parts of the country. And if Last summer’s record-breaking temperatures there was any indication, Average cost of keeping an American home cool has increased significantly over time, so you’re probably still paying to enjoy the benefits of an air-conditioned home. But soon you will be faced with a completely different problem: how to save money and heat your home at the same time. Nobody wants to freeze while relaxing in their own home.

When dealing with sweltering temperatures, a air conditioning This can keep your home cool. It’s understandable to want a comfortable environment to live in, but it’s also important to stay conscious of how to achieve this. energy efficient your house. You may want to turn up the heat thermostat However, lowering the temperature will increase your electric bill — especially thermostat.

That’s why we’ve compiled some tips for keeping your home as comfortably cool as possible while minimizing the amount of electricity you use. It’s such a simple thing turn on the fan or closing the blinds during the day can make a big difference.

Here are six tips to keep your home cool and use your thermostat more economically when it’s hot outside. (For more, we recommend you make a separate investment. smart plug or a smart thermostat, adjusting the temperature your thermostat and weather stripping To save extra money.)

1. Sign up for an energy audit

Unless your home is brand new, cold air inside is probably leaking through doors and windows with spotty seals, a poorly insulated attic, and other places with sneaky cracks.

To see how well your home keeps out the cold home energy audit with your utility provider or a local contractor. A certified home energy assessor or inspector will check your home for leaks and recommend the best way to make your home more energy efficient.

I don’t want to spend spring for a while control? You can do a DIY inspection instead. Stand outside your home and move your hand around the windows and doors. Can you feel the cold air escaping? If you do, seal around leaky windows and add insulation around doors.

2. Get a smart thermostat

If you haven’t upgraded to a smart thermostat (e.g. individually) ecobee or nest — it might be time to make a change. Smart thermostats can regulate heating and cooling to save money when you’re not home. You can also change settings remotely using an app on your phone or via voice commands. Here is our list 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 role in how well your air conditioner works. For example, if you place the thermostat on the wall right next to a hot window, your air conditioner will run much more often than it should because your thermostat will think the room is warmer than it actually is. Here’s how to do it Choose the perfect wall for your thermostat And The ideal temperature you should set. You might also consider a smart thermostat, which comes with extra room sensors and allows it to monitor the temperature in your home.

4. Close the blinds

A window that lets the warm sun in not only warms up your thermostat, it also warms you. Close your curtains to protect yourself from the sun during the hottest hours of the day. It can also help insulate your windows, preventing cold air from escaping. There are also special ones insulated shutters, curtains and curtains This can keep your home even cooler.

5. Try a ceiling fan

You don’t always need to turn up the air conditioning to feel cooler. Using a ceiling fan can make a room feel coolerThis is enough to allow you to increase the thermostat temperature by 4 degrees “without any decrease in comfort”. If you want to go high-tech, you can install a smart ceiling fan that connects to an app and automatically adjusts based on schedules you create. Only make sure your fan spins counterclockwise in summer to get the most benefit.

6. Increase the temperature

For the most savings, always set your thermostat to the hottest temperature you can comfortably tolerate. A programmable thermostat makes it easy to keep your air conditioner at the right temperature. You can program the unit to keep it at warmer temperatures while you’re at work and cool down just before you get home.

According to the Nebraska Office of Energy, you can save 10% per year on your cooling bills by setting your thermostat just 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit higher for 8 hours each day. US Department of Energy, indoor temperature 78 degrees Fahrenheit while at home. It’s okay if 78 degrees isn’t possible for you; Even a small change in temperature can save you big money and reduce your energy bill by up to 3% annually.

Discover our products for more energy savings home sustainability cheat sheet packed with eco-friendly tips and learn about How can you save money by unplugging some devices? when you are not using them.

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