Ways To Save Money On Air Conditioning

What did we do before air conditioning and do you really save energy by shutting off your air conditioner when you’re gone at work, or is it better to just let it run all day at a "set" temperature?

We have all asked ourselves these questions...usually on the day that our Electric Bill arrives.

1.  Set your thermostat a little higher.  Air conditioners use three to five percent less energy for every degree you raise the thermostat.

2.  Invest in a ceiling fan, or just more fans in general.

3.  Draw your shades, and maybe plant some tall bushes outside.

Oh and by the way the answer of whether to leave your AC on while you're at work? According to Jennifer Thorne Amann, MES, buildings program director for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy...

It may seem like a waste of energy to turn your A/C on and off, but doing so actually saves you a fair amount of money, Amann says. "Air-conditioning systems run most efficiently when they’re running at full speed," she explains.

So while your unit might make more noise initially cooling a space down from 80 to 75 degrees, running all day at a less powerful speed requires more energy overall. They’re also better at dehumidifying your house when going at full blast.

See more AC tips here.

(Good Housekeeping / Simple Most)