Personal FinanceUS heat wave
May 15, 2024 02:53 PM EDT
You could find yourself rushing to lower the thermostat's setting more frequently if scorching temperatures are predicted. However, lowering the temperature will also result in a larger power bill, particularly given the continued high cost of energy.
We've put up a few suggestions to help you consume less power and maintain a comfortable temperature in your house.
If your house isn't brand-new, there's a good chance that drafty attic insulation, inadequately sealed windows and doors, and other small gaps are allowing chilly air to escape.
Make an appointment for a home energy audit with your utility company or a nearby contractor to find out how well your house is keeping the cold out. A qualified home energy rater or auditor will inspect your house for leaks and give recommendations for the most effective ways to increase its energy efficiency.
Reluctant to pay for an audit? Conduct a self-audit. Place your hand around the windows and doors of your house while you're outdoors. Does the chilly air seem to be escaping? If so, insulate doors and caulk around any leaky windows.
It could be time to switch thermostats if you haven't already changed to a smart model. When you're not home, smart thermostats can control the heating and cooling to save you money. Additionally, you may change the settings remotely using voice commands or through an app on your phone.
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The location of your thermostat can significantly affect how efficiently your air conditioner operates. For example, your air conditioner will run far more frequently than necessary if the thermostat is mounted on the wall directly next to a hot window since it will believe the room is much hotter than it actually is. This article explains how to choose the right wall for your thermostat and what temperature to set it to.
Not only will a window that lets in the warm sun heat your thermostat, but it will also heat you. Close your blinds to block out the light during the hottest portion of the day. Additionally, it can aid with window insulation, which keeps cold air from escaping.
To feel cooler, you don't necessarily need to turn up the AC. If you want to go high-tech, you may install a smart ceiling fan that connects to an app and automatically changes based on schedules you specify. Using a ceiling fan can make a room feel colder, enough that you can boost the thermostat temperature by 4 degrees "with no reduction in comfort." To maximize the benefits, make sure your fan is spinning counterclockwise throughout the heat.
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