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How to Save Money on Cooling Your Home by Christopher Foos
| Products Worth A Look (as an alternative to the A/C) |
| The Chillow® Comfort device cool pillow is a noiseless, low-cost cooling alternative that is environmentally friendly - non-electric and non-toxic |
The Bed Fan delivers a cool breeze
between the sheets--without AC costs,
and without disturbing your partner.
The fan attaches to the foot of the
bed and quietly blows fresh, cool air
between your top and bottom sheets,
instantly dispersing built-up body heat
trapped under the covers and moving
up to 100 cubic feet of air every
minute.
between the sheets--without AC costs,
and without disturbing your partner.
The fan attaches to the foot of the
bed and quietly blows fresh, cool air
between your top and bottom sheets,
instantly dispersing built-up body heat
trapped under the covers and moving
up to 100 cubic feet of air every
minute.
Spring to Fall, for most of us, means turning
on the Air Conditioning to escape the heat,
but the fear of a higher Electric Bill seems
to make us think twice, right? Don't sweat
it, we have ways to keep you cool and
save you money!!!!!
on the Air Conditioning to escape the heat,
but the fear of a higher Electric Bill seems
to make us think twice, right? Don't sweat
it, we have ways to keep you cool and
save you money!!!!!
Obviously, keeping your a/c off completely would
save you up to 70% off your electric bill during
HOT months, but we all know that isn't
happening! Especially living in a place like Texas,
which TheFoosers do! Though, by combining the
use of ceiling fans, insulation, and other tips
mentioned below, the a/c could have a much more
limited role; still leading to a big savings.
save you up to 70% off your electric bill during
HOT months, but we all know that isn't
happening! Especially living in a place like Texas,
which TheFoosers do! Though, by combining the
use of ceiling fans, insulation, and other tips
mentioned below, the a/c could have a much more
limited role; still leading to a big savings.
How much electricity does the a/c use? how
much electricity does an air conditioner use?
Central Heat and Air is costly!Ceilings fans will
save you lots of money! Stay cool using fans!
How to save money on cooling costs.
much electricity does an air conditioner use?
Central Heat and Air is costly!Ceilings fans will
save you lots of money! Stay cool using fans!
How to save money on cooling costs.
| Late August in Texas, our a/c can run 24 hours constant. Take 3.5 kWh x (a modest) $0.05 kWh rate x 24 hours x 30 days = $126 dollars to run a month with temperatures above 90 degrees! Keep electric bill, but below we will at least help save you some of that money! |
1. Turn the thermostat up! We are the first to admit that we like our house cold, but our electric bill, even
after fixing it, did not agree! Comfort was still something we didn't want to give-up, so we experimented. 72 degrees was the most
comfortable to everyone in the house. We started turning the thermostat to 73, 74, and finally settled on 75 degrees as the highest
we could comfortably tolerate. This alone, after consulting the electric meter, was saving us an estimated $6 a month. We know, this
does not sound like a big savings, but it is was a start. Then we discovered the other tips mentioned below! This is where that small
$6 savings turned into a $60 savings each month, and on top of that, we got to enjoy 72 degrees again! To this day, our thermostat is
set at 75 degrees, but enjoy a 69 degree room for a fraction of the cost! So turn up the thermostat and read on!
after fixing it, did not agree! Comfort was still something we didn't want to give-up, so we experimented. 72 degrees was the most
comfortable to everyone in the house. We started turning the thermostat to 73, 74, and finally settled on 75 degrees as the highest
we could comfortably tolerate. This alone, after consulting the electric meter, was saving us an estimated $6 a month. We know, this
does not sound like a big savings, but it is was a start. Then we discovered the other tips mentioned below! This is where that small
$6 savings turned into a $60 savings each month, and on top of that, we got to enjoy 72 degrees again! To this day, our thermostat is
set at 75 degrees, but enjoy a 69 degree room for a fraction of the cost! So turn up the thermostat and read on!
2. Keep it spinning! A ceiling fan can make you feel up to 8 degrees cooler, they are inexpensive (will
pay for itself within 3 months), easy to install, and USE SEVENTY TIMES LESS ELECTRICITY THAN A CENTRAL AIR
CONDITIONING SYSTEM!!!! This is a no brainer!!!! There should be one in every room of a home!!!!
*Note - In warmer months, make sure the fan circulation is counter-clockwise. The way the blades are designed, a
counter-clockwise rotation forces air down. Under the "Heating" section, we will explain why you want to switch the
rotation to clockwise. Check out this DoItYourself.com article on "How To Install a Ceiling Fan".
pay for itself within 3 months), easy to install, and USE SEVENTY TIMES LESS ELECTRICITY THAN A CENTRAL AIR
CONDITIONING SYSTEM!!!! This is a no brainer!!!! There should be one in every room of a home!!!!
*Note - In warmer months, make sure the fan circulation is counter-clockwise. The way the blades are designed, a
counter-clockwise rotation forces air down. Under the "Heating" section, we will explain why you want to switch the
rotation to clockwise. Check out this DoItYourself.com article on "How To Install a Ceiling Fan".
3. Stop the COLD and MONEY from Escaping! Hard to keep a home at a constant
temperature when the cool air is escaping your home through holes and cracks. These breaches in a home need to be addressed right
away! In most cases, these small repairs are inexpensive and can save you a bunch of money.
temperature when the cool air is escaping your home through holes and cracks. These breaches in a home need to be addressed right
away! In most cases, these small repairs are inexpensive and can save you a bunch of money.
On a warm day, step outside, walk around the house, and focus on your doors and windows first. Use your hand to feel around edges
and where pains of glass meet. Do you feel cool air escaping? Now walk again the house again to look for holes and cracks (Example,
where cable lines are, telephone wires enter house, or rotted wood) and place your hand over them to see if cold air is felt. If you do,
keep reading:
Windows, make sure they are tightly shut and the weatherstripping is not just binding somewhere. In most cases, you can take a
flat-head screwdriver to unbind the weatherstripping, allowing it to do it's sealing job. If it escaping through the outside edges,
purchase a clear, exterior silicon caulk (as low as $1 a tube) and seal around the entire window. In some cases, the moulding maybe too
rotted to caulk. Don't fret! Moulding and paint are cheap too! If you do not have a saw or know-how, ask neighbors (to a bunch of
guys, the payment in beer sufficient). Exterior Doors, like windows, check to make sure weatherstripping is not in a bind, or if there
is any at all. Weatherstripping can be purchased in rolls inexpensively, about $5 a roll. In doors, the main cause of escaping air will be at
the threshold, or the bottom of the door. Usually there is a rubber flap mounted to the bottom of the door or you will find it mounted
to the floor. In any of the above mentioned applications, make sure it is not in a bind. If it is obviously rotted, or not even visibly
making contact with the floor or door, depending on application, head to your local Hardware Store and let them know your problem
(measure your door's length, height, and depth, along with the distance between your door and floor before you go). Depending on
the exact issue, it could cost anywhere from $5 to $20. Sliding Glass doors should be treated as windows. Cracks and Holes, Two ways
to address this. First, if the crack or hole is less than half an inch in diameter and/or width, use caulk to fill it in. If the hole or crack is
larger, purchase a can of spray foam (usually costs anywhere from $3 to $6 a can, and fill in the hole with this expanding foam.
and where pains of glass meet. Do you feel cool air escaping? Now walk again the house again to look for holes and cracks (Example,
where cable lines are, telephone wires enter house, or rotted wood) and place your hand over them to see if cold air is felt. If you do,
keep reading:
Windows, make sure they are tightly shut and the weatherstripping is not just binding somewhere. In most cases, you can take a
flat-head screwdriver to unbind the weatherstripping, allowing it to do it's sealing job. If it escaping through the outside edges,
purchase a clear, exterior silicon caulk (as low as $1 a tube) and seal around the entire window. In some cases, the moulding maybe too
rotted to caulk. Don't fret! Moulding and paint are cheap too! If you do not have a saw or know-how, ask neighbors (to a bunch of
guys, the payment in beer sufficient). Exterior Doors, like windows, check to make sure weatherstripping is not in a bind, or if there
is any at all. Weatherstripping can be purchased in rolls inexpensively, about $5 a roll. In doors, the main cause of escaping air will be at
the threshold, or the bottom of the door. Usually there is a rubber flap mounted to the bottom of the door or you will find it mounted
to the floor. In any of the above mentioned applications, make sure it is not in a bind. If it is obviously rotted, or not even visibly
making contact with the floor or door, depending on application, head to your local Hardware Store and let them know your problem
(measure your door's length, height, and depth, along with the distance between your door and floor before you go). Depending on
the exact issue, it could cost anywhere from $5 to $20. Sliding Glass doors should be treated as windows. Cracks and Holes, Two ways
to address this. First, if the crack or hole is less than half an inch in diameter and/or width, use caulk to fill it in. If the hole or crack is
larger, purchase a can of spray foam (usually costs anywhere from $3 to $6 a can, and fill in the hole with this expanding foam.
Watch These Videos For "How-to" Tips:
4. Be Selective on the Rooms you Cool!
If you have central AC, close off the registers in rooms you do not typically use on a daily basis. Do not
close more than two or three! The pressure in the system could cause leaks in the air ducts.
close more than two or three! The pressure in the system could cause leaks in the air ducts.
| Cover up those register vents in rooms not being used to effectively cool the others in your home being used! |
5. Change Those FILTERS! No matter what, change or clean the filter in your central a/c unit, window units, humidifiers, etc..., every
month! A dirty filter can reduce cooling efficiency by 25%, and unless you have severe allergies, save your money by buying the cheapest filters! How To
Change Your Air Filter
month! A dirty filter can reduce cooling efficiency by 25%, and unless you have severe allergies, save your money by buying the cheapest filters! How To
Change Your Air Filter
6. Darken Things Up! Close those blinds, draw the curtains, and turn off the lights during warm days. The sun
and light bulbs can radiate heat throughout the home and do battle with cool air. Also, turn off any tv not in use, try to use the microwave
instead of stove or oven, and consider waiting till evening to run the clothes dryer.
and light bulbs can radiate heat throughout the home and do battle with cool air. Also, turn off any tv not in use, try to use the microwave
instead of stove or oven, and consider waiting till evening to run the clothes dryer.
7. Be Creative to be like Fonzie, COOL! Take several cool showers during the day, drink cold
beverages, wear damp clothing, carry around a hand-held mister fan, a spray bottle full of ice water, dampen a towel and leave it in the
freezer for a few minutes, an ice pack, or whatever you can come up with as a way to keep you cool. We personally have put our bedsheets in
the freezer and retrieved them right before bed! Again, be creative!
beverages, wear damp clothing, carry around a hand-held mister fan, a spray bottle full of ice water, dampen a towel and leave it in the
freezer for a few minutes, an ice pack, or whatever you can come up with as a way to keep you cool. We personally have put our bedsheets in
the freezer and retrieved them right before bed! Again, be creative!
| Great alternative to having to buy replacement Low E glass windows. |
| Filled with ice water, I can stand being anywhere on any HOT day! |
Thus far, we have focused on FREE to INEXPENSIVE ways to save money on your cooling and air conditioning
costs because the truth is, saving money is why you are still reading, right? The tips above will save you a big
chunk of money, and when you are ready to take it the next step financially, then read on! All of these aggressive
steps take upfront money, but usually pay for themselves within a month to a year.
costs because the truth is, saving money is why you are still reading, right? The tips above will save you a big
chunk of money, and when you are ready to take it the next step financially, then read on! All of these aggressive
steps take upfront money, but usually pay for themselves within a month to a year.
Attic - This space is so crucial to the proper cooling and heating of your home that I had to create a separate page to
address it. Because this area is not climate controlled, heat and cold occupies this space if not insulated, ventilated, and
patched correctly. If these elements do invade the space, then it bleeds into the home creating cooling and heating
nightmares! So check out what you need to know about making your attic energy efficient by clicking here!
address it. Because this area is not climate controlled, heat and cold occupies this space if not insulated, ventilated, and
patched correctly. If these elements do invade the space, then it bleeds into the home creating cooling and heating
nightmares! So check out what you need to know about making your attic energy efficient by clicking here!
Replacing Old Windows - Windows are a major factor in heat loss during the winter and heat gain
during the summer. Energy used to offset heat losses and gains through windows accounts for about one-fourth
of all energy used for heating and cooling in US homes!
Window frames come in a variety of materials including aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass and wood. Each has advantages
and disadvantages. For example, while aluminum frames are strong and excellent for customization, they are prone
to heat loss and condensation. Most energy-efficient windows have wood or vinyl frames that do not transmit heat
as readily as other materials.
If a window has a high R-value (high resistance to heat flow), it will lose less heat than a window with a lower R-
value. There are several factors that influence a window’s R-value, including glazing material (i.e. glass, plastic,
treated glass), the numbers of layers of glass, the size of the air space between the layers or glass, the thermal
resistance or conductance of the frame, and the tightness of the installation. The R-value is only one of many
values used to determine the energy efficiency of a window. Window manufacturers are now required to disclose
the R-value, as well as other energy-efficiency measures, on every window they make.
Many steps can be taken to render windows more energy efficient, significantly lowering your energy use and
utility bills. For example, “Low-E” coating can be applied to the glass to reduce heat loss, improving both heating
and cooling performance. Darcy & Associates can refer you to professionals who can precisely evaluate the
energy efficiency of your windows, and recommend next steps.
during the summer. Energy used to offset heat losses and gains through windows accounts for about one-fourth
of all energy used for heating and cooling in US homes!
Window frames come in a variety of materials including aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass and wood. Each has advantages
and disadvantages. For example, while aluminum frames are strong and excellent for customization, they are prone
to heat loss and condensation. Most energy-efficient windows have wood or vinyl frames that do not transmit heat
as readily as other materials.
If a window has a high R-value (high resistance to heat flow), it will lose less heat than a window with a lower R-
value. There are several factors that influence a window’s R-value, including glazing material (i.e. glass, plastic,
treated glass), the numbers of layers of glass, the size of the air space between the layers or glass, the thermal
resistance or conductance of the frame, and the tightness of the installation. The R-value is only one of many
values used to determine the energy efficiency of a window. Window manufacturers are now required to disclose
the R-value, as well as other energy-efficiency measures, on every window they make.
Many steps can be taken to render windows more energy efficient, significantly lowering your energy use and
utility bills. For example, “Low-E” coating can be applied to the glass to reduce heat loss, improving both heating
and cooling performance. Darcy & Associates can refer you to professionals who can precisely evaluate the
energy efficiency of your windows, and recommend next steps.
Whole-House Fan -
Whole house fans work by forcing all of the hot stale air in your house out of the home and by bringing
in fresh cool air. They are installed at the highest central point in the home and the air is forced
upwards into the attic, which in turn forces the even hotter attic air out the vents in your gables.
Obviously, you must open some windows in the lower parts of the home to allow cool evening air to
enter the house.
In southern climates, opening your windows and/or doors in the early morning for 30 minutes to an
hour and again late in the evening can possibly give your air conditioner a much needed three to six
hour break.!
Of course, the bigger the fan the better, but if the upfront money just is not there, smaller affordable
ones are available. These small fans still work, but you will need to run them a bit longer.
in fresh cool air. They are installed at the highest central point in the home and the air is forced
upwards into the attic, which in turn forces the even hotter attic air out the vents in your gables.
Obviously, you must open some windows in the lower parts of the home to allow cool evening air to
enter the house.
In southern climates, opening your windows and/or doors in the early morning for 30 minutes to an
hour and again late in the evening can possibly give your air conditioner a much needed three to six
hour break.!
Of course, the bigger the fan the better, but if the upfront money just is not there, smaller affordable
ones are available. These small fans still work, but you will need to run them a bit longer.
Garage - A attached garage is often overlooked in making a home energy efficient, but in reality it should be addressed
immediately. Most builders see the garage as not part of the home, therefore skipping the insulation process. Hopefully
when insulating the attic, you are addressing this problem over the garage as well. Next, examine your garage door. Is it
non-insulated metal? 9 times out of 10, the builder will use this or a homeowner might replace a garage door with this
affordable type. If this is the case, don't fret, because you can insulate it at a lower cost than replacing with a heavy,
insulated door! Any home improvement store carries very inexpensive insulated panels that insert into the inside of your
garage door. This is a must do! Now, get that hot air circulating and flushed out. This can be accomplished in several ways.
We added a cheap window and exterior door in the garage that leads to our backyard, which some people might already
have one or the other. With this, we crack our main garage door, open the screened window when not at home or the door
when home, and let the 2 mounted ceiling fans flush the air out. The point here is to insure that heat is flushed out of the
garage so that the radiant heat does not penetrate into your home. We found what worked best for us, but for you, it may be
as easy as running a box fan on the floor for a few minutes. Just experiment!
immediately. Most builders see the garage as not part of the home, therefore skipping the insulation process. Hopefully
when insulating the attic, you are addressing this problem over the garage as well. Next, examine your garage door. Is it
non-insulated metal? 9 times out of 10, the builder will use this or a homeowner might replace a garage door with this
affordable type. If this is the case, don't fret, because you can insulate it at a lower cost than replacing with a heavy,
insulated door! Any home improvement store carries very inexpensive insulated panels that insert into the inside of your
garage door. This is a must do! Now, get that hot air circulating and flushed out. This can be accomplished in several ways.
We added a cheap window and exterior door in the garage that leads to our backyard, which some people might already
have one or the other. With this, we crack our main garage door, open the screened window when not at home or the door
when home, and let the 2 mounted ceiling fans flush the air out. The point here is to insure that heat is flushed out of the
garage so that the radiant heat does not penetrate into your home. We found what worked best for us, but for you, it may be
as easy as running a box fan on the floor for a few minutes. Just experiment!
Landscape - If your house is older, with relatively poor insulation and windows, good landscaping
(particularly deciduous trees) can save energy, especially if planted on the house’s west side. In summer, the
foliage blocks infrared radiation that would warm the house, while in winter the bare branches let this radiation
come through. Also, grass, flower beds, and other vegetation used around the house can absorb solar energy. If
too much asphalt is absorbing this heat, it could be radiating into the home.
*Note - In any energy saving "guide" you will see this same advise. It is a GREAT
suggestion, but what they fail to tell you is, SPEND THE MONEY ON MATURE TREES and
SHRUBS!!!! Buying saplings and 3 gallon container shrubs will take years to fulfill their purpose. Though it is
costly upfront, mature trees will pay for themselves within a year!
(particularly deciduous trees) can save energy, especially if planted on the house’s west side. In summer, the
foliage blocks infrared radiation that would warm the house, while in winter the bare branches let this radiation
come through. Also, grass, flower beds, and other vegetation used around the house can absorb solar energy. If
too much asphalt is absorbing this heat, it could be radiating into the home.
*Note - In any energy saving "guide" you will see this same advise. It is a GREAT
suggestion, but what they fail to tell you is, SPEND THE MONEY ON MATURE TREES and
SHRUBS!!!! Buying saplings and 3 gallon container shrubs will take years to fulfill their purpose. Though it is
costly upfront, mature trees will pay for themselves within a year!
| This Great Source has been utilized throughout this site to bring you accurate information! DOE |
| Excellent source for "How-to" information on an enormous variety of home improvement projects! http://www.doityourself.com |
| AWESOME TOOL to own! A must have! Use it to find hot spots in your home. Find where cool air and heat are escaping. Use it for cooking. There are endless uses for this thermometer! |
| Contractors.com |
| The Official Contractor Network |
| Average Central A/C uses 3.5 kw per hour Used as little as 6 hours a day at least $94.50/month |
