Save Money by Turning up your Air Conditioning

It's hot outside. We get that. It's so uncomfortable that turning on the AC seems like a necessity. And in many cases, it is. If you don't have AC, you might find my 12 tips for staying cool without air conditioning to be really useful. But if you're one of the lucky ones with AC, here are a few tips that could save you some pennies. (Source: The IMO)

Turning up the heat of your AC by 1 degree Celsius can save you up to 5% on your energy bill. This is especially true if you keep your home at a frigid 21 C. Try turning it up by one degree every week until you hit about 25 or 26. You'll be amazed just how cool the home feels, especially considering the fact that AC dehumidifies the home.

Cleaning the compressor outside with a hose to clear out the debris is a good way to improve airflow, but you should have it tuned up every year to ensure optimal operation. Also, make sure you replace your air filters every 3 months or so. Check your AC's maintenance manual. This helps the air flow freely, and keeps your air nice and clean.

If your AC unit is getting on in age, it's quite possible that you can buy a newer, more efficient model. Always check the SEER number. Higher is better! This is an indication of efficiency. Higher SEER numbers are more expensive, but can pay for themselves in the long run in lower energy bills, if you maintain them properly.

If the overnight temperature is going to be lower than your AC setting, then turn off the AC overnight and sleep with the windows open. This will allow any hot air to escape to be replaced with cool, night air.

A cieling fan or a stand fan helps the air move around in your room. By using a fan in whatever room you are in, you can increase the temperature by an additional two degrees and not notice it! That means you could comfortably live in a 26-27 degree environment as long as you have a lot of airflow in the house. This could mean big savings!

There is a lot of play in the media about "eco-guilt" about using air conditioning. My take is that it's a smart idea to use air conditioning when it gets really hot outside, especially when the humidity is high. But by taking a few steps, including the ones in the 12 tips (which will apply if you have AC too), you can reduce your energy consumption, lower your energy bill and your carbon footprint. But remember: Your health and safety should come first.

So enjoy your AC, but like everything, including moderation, it should be done in moderation.