5 Ways to Save on Cooling Costs This Summer

The temperatures are getting really hot here in the Carolinas! I’m sure it is getting toasty in your part of the country too. With the temperatures getting so hot, we had to spring for a guy to come and perform air conditioner repair on our 2-years-broken AC. I have found some ways to save on cooling costs this summer and they are very easy to implement. Most of them have very little cost up front and you can save anywhere from 5-20% off of your electric bill!

 

Shade

You can cut cooling costs by simply planting trees and shrubs around your home. Not only does it provide good curb appeal, but it can lower your costs by up to 30%. Make sure you plant on the east and west sides for optimal shading. This will block the sun from coming through your windows and roof which is where half of the heat in your home actually comes from!

Window Treatments

This is another great way to shade your home and block out the sun’s hot rays. Add some insulating curtains to your most used rooms, this will also help you save on heating costs in the winter. You can also add tinted window film to really help block the heat. This can help save around 7% of your cooling costs. If you do both window treatments and shade from trees, you can lower the temperature in your home by up to 20 degrees!

Use Fans

Use ceiling fans if you have them. They help keep the air cool by making it circulate. This way you can set your thermostat higher and save on average 5-10% for each degree warmer you set it.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable Thermostats are very easy to install and can save you 5-20% off of your energy bill. Set your temperature 5-7 degrees warmer when you are at work or away from home. Then lower it once you are back home.

Sunrun Solar Service

Sunrun Solar Service is another great option to save on cooling costs. They provide solar panels for your home. You basically lease the solar panels instead of owning them so there is little to no upfront costs! Using solar panels can save up to 20% off of your cooling costs (*Actual savings will vary. See here for details). Not only is it great for your wallet, but it is also good for the environment.

Sunrun gives you control over your electricity costs and protects you against unpredictable electricity rate increases. You pay a low, locked in rate so you don’t have to worry about utility hikes. They will install, monitor, and maintain your solar system. It will be designed just for your home and your needs. You can start saving on your utility bill immediately. If Sunrun doesn’t think that they can save you money, then they won’t sell you a system.

Sunrun is also having a sweepstakes on Facebook where you can enter to win a Nest Learning Thermostat. These things are really cool and I have been wanting to get one. You can learn more about the benefits of solar power and get a free quote to see if Sunrun can help you save on cooling costs this summer.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.