Now that summer is in full swing, so are many of our utility bills. Whether it's central air conditioning or a window AC, our checkbooks are taking a hit. It's no secret that high energy costs are putting all of us in a tight spot. But, even during the dog days of summer there are many easy and free ways to keep cool.
One of the easiest ways to keep the meter down and your house cool is to prevent solar heating. Solar heating occurs when sunlight enters your home and heats it up from the inside, a lot like the way a car heats up when out in the sun. To prevent solar heating, remember to draw down all window shades and blinds during the day - especially windows facing south and west because they receive the most sunlight. A long-term solution is to plant trees on the southern and western sides of your house. Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25 percent of a typical household's energy used for cooling.
Central air conditioners are one of the biggest energy consumers during the summer months. But remembering to follow a few simple steps can keep those bills lower. To ensure the air conditioner is running efficiently, schedule a maintenance check-up. It's also important to regularly check the refrigerant charge, as well as indoor and outdoor air coils, according to Wisconsin's Focus on Energy. If the refrigerant is low, both the capacity and life expectancy of the cooling unit suffer.
To get the most efficient use from your AC, it helps and saves to have a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will automatically raise or lower your home's temperature for more efficient use. Even if you don't have a programmable thermostat, just remember to set your thermostat a little higher before you leave your home for an extended amount of time. Every little bit helps. When you're home again, turn the temperature down and enjoy a cooler home throughout the evening.
For people without central air conditioners, window AC units can be a big help. A typical window AC unit costs around $150 and many newer models are Energy Star certified, meaning they are more economical. Also, new AC units often have timers that can be set for optimum efficiency. For example, programming an air conditioner to turn on 30 minutes before you get home can both cool a room and prevent wasteful cooling during the day. It also helps to put the unit in a window that is on the shadiest side of your building.
Ceiling fans also are an efficient and easy way to keep a house cool. When used in combination with an air conditioner, a fan will allow you to keep your thermostat a little higher without reducing the comfort in your home. Fans help circulate air in the room, but remember to turn a fan off when leaving.
During these summer months, we are all busy enjoying the outdoors, grilling, traveling and enjoying friends and family. As we celebrate everything that makes our communities so special, we can all take a few steps to keep our energy bills down and our homes cool.
If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact my office toll-free at (888) 534-0051 or Rep.Hilgenberg@legis.wi.gov.
- Steve Hilgenberg, D-Dodgeville, is a state representative for the 51st Assembly District, which includes all of Iowa, most of Lafayette and part of Sauk counties.
One of the easiest ways to keep the meter down and your house cool is to prevent solar heating. Solar heating occurs when sunlight enters your home and heats it up from the inside, a lot like the way a car heats up when out in the sun. To prevent solar heating, remember to draw down all window shades and blinds during the day - especially windows facing south and west because they receive the most sunlight. A long-term solution is to plant trees on the southern and western sides of your house. Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25 percent of a typical household's energy used for cooling.
Central air conditioners are one of the biggest energy consumers during the summer months. But remembering to follow a few simple steps can keep those bills lower. To ensure the air conditioner is running efficiently, schedule a maintenance check-up. It's also important to regularly check the refrigerant charge, as well as indoor and outdoor air coils, according to Wisconsin's Focus on Energy. If the refrigerant is low, both the capacity and life expectancy of the cooling unit suffer.
To get the most efficient use from your AC, it helps and saves to have a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will automatically raise or lower your home's temperature for more efficient use. Even if you don't have a programmable thermostat, just remember to set your thermostat a little higher before you leave your home for an extended amount of time. Every little bit helps. When you're home again, turn the temperature down and enjoy a cooler home throughout the evening.
For people without central air conditioners, window AC units can be a big help. A typical window AC unit costs around $150 and many newer models are Energy Star certified, meaning they are more economical. Also, new AC units often have timers that can be set for optimum efficiency. For example, programming an air conditioner to turn on 30 minutes before you get home can both cool a room and prevent wasteful cooling during the day. It also helps to put the unit in a window that is on the shadiest side of your building.
Ceiling fans also are an efficient and easy way to keep a house cool. When used in combination with an air conditioner, a fan will allow you to keep your thermostat a little higher without reducing the comfort in your home. Fans help circulate air in the room, but remember to turn a fan off when leaving.
During these summer months, we are all busy enjoying the outdoors, grilling, traveling and enjoying friends and family. As we celebrate everything that makes our communities so special, we can all take a few steps to keep our energy bills down and our homes cool.
If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact my office toll-free at (888) 534-0051 or Rep.Hilgenberg@legis.wi.gov.
- Steve Hilgenberg, D-Dodgeville, is a state representative for the 51st Assembly District, which includes all of Iowa, most of Lafayette and part of Sauk counties.
