It is a sure thing - the heat of summer - and there are several things that can help reduce your electric bill when that time comes.
We all think of using storm windows and insulated drapes to keep the cold out in the winter but, by closing storm windows and pulling the drapes, you can also keep the summer heat out. Closing doors to unused rooms will keep air cooler in the areas you do use. Registers to the unused rooms should also be closed.
If you are tormented by lady beetles this spring, that is an indication you have cracks that not only let bugs in but will allow air conditioned air to leak out during the summer. By caulking and plugging leaks, you will also save on your winter heating bill.
Keeping the thermostat set as high as you can tolerate will make a big difference in your electric bill. By moving it up a few degrees when you are away for more than a couple hours will also make a noticeable difference. The air conditioner will still reduce the humidity and make the house comfortable even at warmer temperatures. If you feel warm, use a fan to circulate air. Use exhaust fans after bathing to remove as much moisture as possible. Be sure your clothes dryer vents outside and when possible, dry clothes outside. Be sure to check furnace and air conditioner filters. When these are dirty, you have less air flow and cooling. Make sure to check the seal around air conditioner units to make sure warm air isn’t leaking in. If you use an extension cord, be sure it is rated for high current flow. Using the wrong extension cord can be a fire hazard and reduce the unit’s cooling ability.
It is important to use the right sized unit for the room you are trying to cool. If the unit provides cool air up close but leaves the rest of the area warm, it may be too small. If the unit shuts off frequently and the room feels cold and clammy, it may be too large. The unit is cooling without dehumidifying adequately, meaning you should cool a larger area or buy a smaller air conditioner. Air conditioning may drop the basement temperature to the point where the condenser coils on a typical dehumidifier will freeze. The air conditioning will also drop humidity levels enough that the dehumidifier is not needed, and running it would be just a waste of energy.
Your house will remain cooler in summer and warmer in winter if the attic and side walls are well-insulated. An insulation value of R-38 or more is recommended for the attic with at least twelve inches of insulation on the attic floor. An R 19 is recommended for walls. Attics in older homes should have one square foot of ventilation opening for every 150 square fee of floor, divided equally between the ridge area and bottom edge of the roof. Air flows in through vents in the eaves, pushing hot air up and out vents near the ridge. Consult your utility company or home inspector for more advice.