As thankful as we are for the sizzling summer weather, 90-degree afternoons take their toll. This time of year, Chicagoans may be tempted to blast the air conditioning to fight scorching temperatures and high humidity. Unfortunately, running the A/C for extended periods of time can double – or even triple – your monthly electricity bill. That money is better allocated toward down payment savings on your first home purchase, paying off student loan debt or even a trip abroad.
To curb summer cooling costs and do good by the environment, implement the following utility-friendly tips.
Invest in a smart thermostat
Modern technology is designed to make our lives easier, so it’s no surprise a tech-savvy version of the standard manual thermostat is growing in popularity. To save on utilities, consider swapping your dated regulator for a Nest Learning Thermostat. The Nest helps curb summer cooling costs while adapting to your lifestyle and improving the look of your home. Not only can you set the temperature remotely from the handy mobile app, Nest uses sensors and your phone’s location to switch to “Eco” mode while you’re on-the-go. The Nest also learns when you and your housemates prefer to keep cool (i.e. at night or before work) and runs accordingly. Don’t forget to apply for rebates from your electricity and/or gas provider to save a combined $150 on unit price and installation fees.
Limit appliance use
Each time you run the oven or dryer, those appliances push heat back into your apartment and force the A/C to run longer. To minimize excess warmth, avoid doing the laundry or baking when outside temperatures reach their daily peak. Run your kitchen’s ventilation fan to catch excess heat when cooking on the stove top, but don’t forget to turn it off when your meal is ready. If you’re a Chicago homeowner with a small yard or ample outdoor space, try drying garments with a clothesline on a calm, clear day.
Install ceiling fans
They aren’t always the most stylish home accessory, but ceiling fans serve a much-needed purpose. They improve ventilation and circulate the air to keep interiors cool without consuming copious amounts of electricity. Fortunately, homeowners can opt for sleek ceiling fan designs that are less of an eyesore than their predecessors. Pro tip: set your ceiling fan to rotate counter-clockwise during the summer to push cold air down and help rooms feel up to 8 degrees cooler.
Close your blinds
Natural light and skyline views are great, but there’s no need to showcase your floor-to-ceiling windows when no one is home. Keep the blinds or curtains closed during the workweek to block the sun’s rays from overheating interiors. Window treatments like blinds or shutters also add an extra layer of protection against air leakage from faulty or worn window sealing.
According to financial website SmartAsset, the average Chicago utility bill is $121.16 per month, including electricity, heating, water and garbage. Cooling costs are 22.4 percent of the average household electric bill and the largest single use of power, so curbing summer cooling costs could have a considerable effect on your household expenses.
