How to Save Money on A/C Costs

This has been a hot summer and many people have become dehydrated and overheated due to lack of air-conditioning in their homes. Many homeowners incur lots of money during the summer to keep their homes cool. Refrigerators and air conditioners are the largest consumers of energy. Air conditioning contributes to approximately 16% of the average household’s annual electricity bill. The amount of air conditioning you use depends on where you live and how many days a year you need to use your air conditioner. The average costs spent on an air conditioning per year is $2,643 and the average home air-conditioning unit costs $280 per year.

There are several alternatives to using air conditioning such as whole-house fans and evaporative coolers; however, they do not perform well in all climates. If you live in a state that has a lot of humidity, evaporative coolers are not a good option. If you don't have an attic a whole-house fan is a good option. If you have a hot attic an evaporative coolers is a good option.
Saving on air conditioning costs can also help the environment. Cutting back on your air conditioning reduces your CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions by 5.4 lbs a week. The more electricity you use, the more carbon dioxide gets released into Earth’s atmosphere. An average household central air conditioner uses enough electricity each year to release of over 2 tons of CO2 into the air. Here are 9 tips to reduce air conditioning costs and CO2 emissions.
1. Turn up the thermostat. Each degree higher you turn up your thermostat allows it to use 1-3% less electricity. Set your thermostat at 76 or 78 degrees F during the day.

2. Turn it off. If you aren’t home during the day turn the air conditioner off. Program the thermostat to turn the air conditioner on an hour before you get home.

3. Room a/c. Turn the room air conditioner to a warmer/cooler setting during the day when you are not at home. Put room air conditioners in windows that are facing north or that are in the shade. A room air conditioner that sits in direct sunlight uses 5% more electricity.

4. Clean. Clean or replace your air conditioner’s air filter every month when it’s in use. The harder the air conditioner has to work pulling air through the filter, the longer it runs and the more electricity it uses.

5. Usage. If the temperatures outside is cool at night turn your air conditioner off and open the windows or turn it down to a lower setting.

6. Fans. A ceiling fan provides added air circulation and can help keep your air conditioner set at higher temperatures. Make sure the ceiling fan is reversible and that it blows air down in the summer. Window fans and floor fans can provide cooling by getting the air moving or by helping move cooler outside air into the house at night.

7. Tax Credit. The Residential Energy Property tax credit is eligible to homeowners who make energy efficient improvements to their existing homes. The credit is 30% of the cost of all improvements. The credit applies to improvements such as energy efficient windows, insulation, and energy-efficient air conditioning.

8. Solar window film. Replace plastic window film with solar window film to help keep your home cooler by reducing utility costs. The film prevents the sun’s rays from entering your home and reduces the need for air conditioning.

9. Electrical Devices. Don't place lamps, televisions or computers near your thermostat. The thermostat can sense the heating coming from the appliances and will run longer than necessary.

How to Lower Heating Costs

This year's winter season didn't seem like a normal winter season where in some parts of the country temperatures were in the 70's and 80's even until the last week of October. For utility companies specifically the gas company, the winter season begins October 1 and ends March 31. According to the Energy information Administration the average American household will pay $27 more than last year due to a 6% price increase.

Approximately 52% of all U.S. homes depend on natural gas as their primary heating fuel. Approximately 7% of U.S. homes depend on heating oil and will pay approximately $220 more this winter. Approximately 6% of all U.S. homes use propane for heating and can expect to pay approximately $136 more than last year. Approximately 37% of all U.S. homes use electricity for heating and can expect to pay approximately $18 less this winter.

The national average price for heating with oil has more than quadrupled to 198% from 2003-2004 to 2008-2009. Here are 9 tips to save on heating costs this winter.

1. Yearly check. Have annual checks on your heating system such as your furnace before the winter season begins. It is best to get a checkup during the summer months when business is slow.

2. Insulate. Insulate your attic and any other areas that are drafty such as your attic, basement, ceilings, walls, crawl spaces, hot water pipes, furnaces, ducts, etc.

3. Automate. Install a programmable thermostat and keep your setting on 68% Fahrenheit. Lower the temperature setting while away from home and during the day. This can save 20% on your heating costs.

4. Seal drafts. Seal any drafts around windows, chimneys, pipes, light fixtures, doors or electrical outlets which can reduce your heating costs by 30%. Replace drafty windows if needed. Hang curtains to seal drafts from windows or place rugs at doors to keep air out.

5. Water Heater. Buy a home water heater insulator to keep the water hot longer and reduce the amount of gas needed to heat the hot water heater.

6. Clothes. Wear more clothes at home to prevent turning the thermostat up.

7. Let the sun in. Open blinds or curtains during the day to let heat in.

8. Use fans. Use ceiling fans and run in the opposite direction to circulate heat.

9. Cover floors. Carpet floors to retain heat and keep floors warm.