The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that Long Island’s summer temperatures will be on average slightly cooler than average with above-normal rainfall; the hottest periods will likely fall in June, early July, and early August. As the mercury rises this summer, take proactive measures to slash your cooling bill. These low- and no-cost tips ensure you will not experience high-priced energy this summer.
1. Use a ceiling fan or other circulating fan
Using these types of fans will make you feel six or seven degrees cooler via the wind-chill effect. Just remember to turn it off when no one is around to enjoy it. Otherwise, you waste electricity. Moreover, if you use an air conditioner, a ceiling fan helps disperse the cooled air more efficiently and allows you to raise its thermostat by as much as four degrees, with little or no discomfort.
2. Maintain cooling systems
It is not enough to use an energy-efficient AC anymore—if you do not properly care for your equipment, it will not reduce your cooling costs. Dirty AC filters block airflow and make units work harder to cool your home. Cleaning and/or replacing filters once per month will lower an AC’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
3. Run your AC more economically
Setting your AC as high as is comfortably possible and using a programmable thermostat to increase the temperature when you are out, or asleep, could easily decrease your summer cooling bill by 10%. You won’t cool the room any faster by turning the AC down; instead, you will probably forget you did it, resulting in excess spending.
4. Close curtains, blinds, and shades
Whatever window treatments you have, you will see significant savings if you prevent solar heat gain by keeping your blinds drawn all day. Highly reflective blinds can reduce heat gain by around 45%! Consider purchasing insulated or reflective shades, which will also save you money come heating season.
If you are looking for an energy-efficient home on Long Island, come to the experts at Lynx Mortgage Bank LLC. Our team of lenders can help find you a mortgage and get it processed as efficiently as possible, so you can find your eco-dream home faster!
