Columbus Air Conditioning Guide: Save Energy and Save Money This Summer

Though we hate to admit it, we’ve all done this without thinking: we turn our Columbus AC lower instead of turning on a fan, or forget about the thermostat settings that are set to full-blast when we are not at home. Oftentimes it’s the simple things that can have the most impact, and with saving energy this is true as well.

Free, Do-It-Yourself Energy Solutions

These quick and easy, do-it-yourself, no cost solutions produce energy saving results almost immediately!

• Adjust the air conditioning thermostat to higher numbers, such as 78 while at home and 85 or higher when away.  Supplement AC usage with a ceiling or room fan, as moving air feels cooler on the skin.

• Eliminate wasted energy by turning off appliances, lights, and equipment when not in use, unplug electronic chargers when not in use, and get rid of spare appliances such as refrigerators which are plugged in but not in use.

• Put those dishwashing gloves away and let the dishwasher do the dirty-work!  Dishwashers use less water than washing by hand. Additionally, let the dishes air-dry rather than running through the heat-cycle to save even more.

• Do laundry more efficiently by washing and rinsing in only cold water, and line dry instead of using the dryer.

• Use the microwave to cook and by doing so not only speed up the cooking process, but use two-thirds less energy than a stove or conventional oven.

Low-Cost, Economical Energy Solutions

Most of these energy saving options can be procured at the local hardware store, are fairly inexpensive, and can be easily done by any competent home-owner.

• Replace HVAC filters regularly, according to manufacturer’s specifications.

• Weather-proof your home by plugging air leaks on doors and windows with weather stripping, sealant, or caulk where applicable.

• Purchase and install ENERGY STAR® certified products such as porch lights, floor and table lamps, pocket lights, and even programmable thermostats to ensure energy using items are using as little energy as possible.

Invest in Energy Solutions

If it is important to you to save energy and money on a larger scale and for the long-haul, there are a number of durable energy-saving investments to consider.

• Purchase new windows, a new air-conditioning unit, refrigerator, or other household appliances that use less energy than older units

• Install window and house shading devices such as patio covers, or strategically plant trees to shade the home during peak times of heat

• Install a whole house fan which can suck cool air into the home after sundown or in the early morning in order to cool the entire house thus reducing air conditioning usage

• Seal and insulate all household ducts in crawl spaces and attics

• Increase or upgrade attic insulation to higher-than-the-standard grade to keep housing temperatures more constant.

Saving energy also means saving money, and by following any of the simple steps listed above, the average consumer can save both energy and money almost immediately. For more information about how to best utilize your Columbus air conditioning system, give Quality Air Heating and Air Conditioning a call today!