As temperatures soar, so can energy bills—especially during heat waves. This can leave us all scrambling to find life hacks for summer. But don’t worry, with smart use of fans and air conditioning, it’s possible to stay cool without overheating your budget. Here are some fan and air conditioning hacks to maximize comfort and minimize costs.
Put your body on the comfort setting with fans
Fans might seem like an obvious must-have for summer, but it’s how you use them that matters—even if your home has air conditioning. That’s because fans create a wind-chill effect that can make rooms feel cooler than they actually are. For example, using a ceiling fan in a large central space allows you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort. You can get the most out of your fans by:
- Installing energy efficient ENERGY STAR ceiling fans (seven to nine feet above the floor and ten to 12 inches below the ceiling)
- Setting the blades to turn counterclockwise in the summer to push cooler air downward and create a wind-chill effect
- Using any type of fan to help propel cool outside air into your home during the late evening or early morning hours (this works best if you open windows opposite one another for cross ventilation)
- Remembering to turn off any type of fan when you leave the room (except when using it for ventilation)
Crank up your savings, not your AC
While air conditioning is the most effective way to cool a home, it can also be costly. To use it efficiently while retaining maximum comfort, do the following:
- If you have central AC, ensure your HVAC system is properly maintained
- Clean or replace filters monthly to increase efficiency and reduce energy costs
- Set your central or AC unit thermostat as high as comfortably possible when you’re home and higher when you’re away for significant savings on cooling costs
Give your HVAC system a break with AC units
If you don’t have central air conditioning, window or portable AC units can be a lifesaver, but it’s also beneficial to use them together. Using a window or portable AC unit in specific areas where people in your household spend the most time will allow you to keep your central air conditioning set at a higher temperature so it will turn on less frequently.
If you don’t have central air, try to install your unit in a room where you can do most of your home activities. Using a portable AC unit will allow you to easily move cool temperatures to different rooms as needed.
Keep cool efficiently and affordably with Michigan Saves
Michigan Saves can help keep your energy bills down—all year long. Our home and building financing help you quickly turn your home or building into a comfortable and efficient space through financing for key energy upgrades, including energy efficient windows, air sealing, and HVAC systems.
If saving money and energy is your goal, you’re in good hands. Get professional help from one of our authorized Michigan contractors in your area. Start saving with us today!
