You may think you know how to use air conditioning – i.e. turn it on – but there are many ways that you can reduce your costs, keep your home comfortable for less money and, if this rocks your boat, using less energy thus creating less pollution and reducing your own impact on the environment. Regardless of your motives, rent or own, window or central unit, here are some easy, effective tips to getting the most out of cooling your home.
Window/Room Air Conditioners
First off, if you’ve got a seriously seventies AC unit hanging out in your window, it’s time to think about taking the big plunge and buying a new one. Many Minnesota utilities offer a rebate for purchasing an energy efficient room AC, so you can get some of that cost back – not to mention you’ll save $30 a year with modern highly efficient window unit, which means payback in as quick as 3 years.
Otherwise, just closing the windows and doors to the room that you’re cooling makes a difference. Also, consider turning off the window AC at night and using fans to circulate the cool night air in.
Central Air
It’s a big undertaking to replace an old central air conditioning unit (again, many Minnesota utilities offer a rebate), but it makes a big difference – trading out that 15 year old central air conditioner with a modern efficient AC can reduce your carbon footprint by 5%! Not to mention save you some pretty pennies.
Not to repeat myself or anything, but you should also keep windows and doors shut when using the central air and consider turning it off at night and using fans to circulate the cool night air.
Want to figure out how much money you’ll save by taking these actions? Check out the Minnesota Energy Challenge for the answers!
