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It can get hot in the city during the summer. Though a New York summer typically makes a gentle entrance, it can unleash its fury in July and August. How do you keep your utility bills reasonable when the weather gets extreme? After all, New York has recently become the third-highest city on Bankrate’s top 10 most expensive utility bills list. Follow these five easy tips to save yourself save money on utility bills.
Use FansUse Fans
Instead of cranking up the air conditioner, turn on a fan when you’re in the room. The “chill effect” from fans can make your home feel 6-7 degrees cooler. You can also install Energy Star ceiling fans for extra money-saving power.
When you use fans as cooling support, you can program your home’s temperature to be a few degrees higher than what you’d typically set. For example, if you set your thermostat to 78, you can save up to 18 percent than running the air conditioner at 72 degrees.
Use a Programmable ThermostatUse a Programmable Thermostat
Traditional thermostats are static and inflexible. Smart thermostats are not only greener but also cost-effective. They cool your home more efficiently when you’re around and then switch to a higher temperature when you’re out of the house.
According to Thermostat Center, 50 percent of your utility costs are attributed to heating or cooling your home. When you switch to a programmable thermostat, you can save between 15 to 20 percent on your temperature control costs. So stop forgetting to set the thermostat to 80 every time you leave the house this summer.
Get a programmable thermostat that’ll take care of the details without fail. What are more, programmable thermostats take the guesswork out of switching from heating to cooling in transitional seasons, too?
Block the SunBlock the Sun
When you go out for the day, keep the sun out to make it cooler. Bankrate affirms that room darkening shades can knockdown heat accumulation by 45 percent.
Solar screens, which function as both a sun shield and a bug screen, are even better. The screens can deflect 70 percent of the sun’s rays before they even enter your house.
Consider installing window films if you don’t have the time or means to put up solar screens. These transparent yet metallic sheets function similarly to solar screens and help keep the heat out. The only drawback is that your windows must be fully shut for them to work correctly.
Limit Stove UseLimit Stove Use
Using the oven during the heat of summer can make your home sweltering! Instead, try quick skillet recipes and crockpot cooking. Cooking at night can also keep the temperatures from climbing indoors. Baking during the day is another way to make your home uncomfortably hot, so try to limit the brownies and cupcakes to colder seasons.
Stay on Top of MaintenanceStay on Top of Maintenance
Most general air conditioner maintenance is out of your hands if you’re renting. A properly functioning system will use less energy to cool your home. Homeowners, however, should schedule a seasonal cooling system checkup to make sure everything’s running smoothly.
Both homeowners and renters can change air conditioner filters regularly to make the system run the most efficiently. A monthly filter change results in using 5 to 15 percent less energy.
Every small change you make will result in a lower utility bill and a lesser carbon footprint. Try using these tips to make your home in NYC comfortable this summer by saving money on your utility bills.