Summer is the time for barbeques, trips to the pool, and frosty treats, but it can also mean higher energy bills because of cooling costs. Follow these tips and best practices to shelter your home from the sweltering heat while keeping your cooling costs under control.
Use fans: On those nice days when it doesn’t feel as hot, turn off your A/C and use ceiling, floor, and table fans instead. Fans use a fraction of the energy that central A/C units do — so when the job can be done by a fan, pick the fan. Change the direction of your ceiling fan to counterclockwise in the summer to simulate a cool breeze.
Concentrate your A/C: When it is just too hot to use fans, try to concentrate your air conditioning flow to the rooms or areas of your home that you use the most. This is more energy-efficient than trying to cool your entire home. Close the vents in those rooms you don’t frequently use, like spare bedrooms and the basement and only open them when you need them.
Don’t cool an empty house: When you leave for that summer vacation, remember to turn up the thermostat so you don’t cool your home when no one is there to enjoy it.
Upgrade to a smart thermostat: If you haven’t upgraded to a smart thermostat, now is the time to do so. Smart thermostats can change the temperature automatically based on your preferences, so you can set a lower temperature when you’re home and a higher temperature while you’re away.
Use a dehumidifier: Illinois summers are known for their humidity, so combat it with a dehumidifier. Reducing the amount of moisture in the air can make your home seem much cooler, without having to turn on the A/C.
Upgrade your cooling unit: Because older appliances tend to be less efficient, it might be time for you to upgrade to a newer, more energy efficient A/C unit. We provide discounts and incentives for customers who want to upgrade to more energy efficient HVAC systems.
Looking for more ways to make your home more energy-efficient? Visit AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/Tips for more helpful articles and resources, or call 1.866.838.6918 to see if you qualify for any incentives through the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program.
The Traveler Weekly 