Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, there is no doubt that paying to heat or cool your home or office space is a big expense. In fact, according to EnergyStar.gov, the average American family spends around $2,060 every year on utilities. For businesses, the average in the United States per square foot of commercial property for utility bills per year is $2.10. That's a lot of money and can be a significant part of a business's budget.
Atlantis Comfort Systems offers the best residential, commercial, and multi-family HVAC services in Rhode Island. Since 2009, we've been helping you have the best indoor air environment possible. Having climate control where you want it helps improve productivity for homeowners and employees, helps with focus and creativity, and helps us enjoy life. From heating and cooling repair and maintenance to multi-family installation services, we've got your HVAC system needs covered. Below, we'll offer up tips for the homeowner to save on their cooling bill. Contact our HVAC company for a free quote today!
TIPS TO SAVE ON COOLING BILLS
Invest in Nature
Some of the most beautiful creations in existence (outside your children, of course) are in nature. From tulips in the spring to hummingbirds, bears, and Niagara Falls, nature has the ability to rejuvenate us and be a feast for the eyes. Thus, one great way to save on your Rhode Island home's cooling cost is by planting shade trees around your home. Trees help to block out the sun with their leaves and provide a cooler environment around your home as well. Experts recommend planting tall trees on the south side of your home and broad trees on the west to align with the rise and fall of the sun.
Invest in a Programmable or Smart Thermostat
This was a tip as well in our previous blog post about tips to save on your heating bill. If you are still rocking an old school thermostat, it's time to upgrade today. By having the ability to set the temperature in your home to align with your schedule, you can save hundreds of dollars a year in utility bills. Atlantis Comfort Systems in Rhode Island recommends you set your thermostat for a higher temperature while you are away in the summer, so your AC unit gets a break, and then program it to lower the temperature 30 minutes before you are expected to arrive home. At night, you can also raise the temperature of your thermostat in order to take advantage of the cooler night air, or turn it off altogether and open your windows instead.
A smart thermostat is a great upgrade as well. This allows you to control your home's temperature while you are away. This can be a lifesaver if you go on vacation and you forgot to adjust the thermostat before leaving. Many smart thermostats have sensors you can place around your home so your HVAC system can tell when one room is hotter than the others and make adjustments accordingly.
Invest in Ceiling Fans
Point of fact is that ceiling fans do not cool the air within your home; only air conditioning units can do this. Ceiling fans work by moving air around your home. In the summertime, this moving air helps to evaporate sweat from your skin, which cools you down. This then allows you to keep your home's central air conditioning temperature higher, thereby using less energy and wear and tear on your system overall. Ceiling fans also move the cool, conditioned air from your air conditioning unit around your home as well, which makes you cooler, too.