Have you turned on the air conditioning yet? Here in Utah it’s reached 90 degrees already so I had a friend open the swamp cooler a few weeks ago. While I love my swamp cooler, I love being able to have the windows open, I do miss central air. That almost refrigerated feel when you come inside after being in the hot sun is almost impossible to replicate with a swamp cooler.
The best thing about a swamp cooler versus central air is that the impact on my utility bills is almost non existent. My electric bill will be about $5 more in the summer versus in the winter so it’s hardly noticeable. I do remember those central air utility bills, and I don’t miss them one bit.
Everyone thinks about how to save money on heating costs but saving money on cooling costs is usually overlooked.
Many of the same things you do to reduce heating costs will also reduce cooling costs. Changing your filter frequently, using caulk and weatherstripping to seal any leaks and keeping windows and doors closed.
Also, closing the curtains or shades on the side of the house the sun is shining on will help keep the house cooler. As will not running any heat generating appliances until early in the morning or late in the evening. Cooking dinner outside on the grill or using the microwave will help keep the house from heating up. Clothes dryers generate a lot of heat so run them in the evening or hang your clothes out to dry.
Sign up for utility rewards through your utility company, this can save up to $40. Also, if you have an older thermostat buying a new, programmable one can save you up to $180 a year by allowing the house to be warmer during the hours no one is home.
Clean up around your air conditioning unit. Dirt, dust, leaves and debris can hinder air flow which means the unit has to run harder to cool down the house.
Ceiling fans are great at keeping the air moving which will make your home cooler. Since I have a swamp cooler, instead of running it at night I have a fan in the bedroom window. If you turn off the air conditioning and just use a fan to cool the room you are sleeping in you will reduce costs as well.