When temperatures climb, most people blame the air conditioner for their soaring electric bill. But in many homes, the major problem is how hard the AC has to work because of one common mistake. It turns out your curtains might be the enemy.
Yes, closing the curtains is one of the oldest summer tricks in the book. But it is not quite that straightforward. According to home improvement expert Laura De Barra, the type of curtains you are using matters. Many blackout curtains contain synthetic materials like polyester, acrylic, or nylon, which absorb and trap heat once the sun hits them.
Her suggestion is to replace synthetic curtains with thick duvets or other breathable fabrics you already have at home during the hottest parts of the day. The idea is to block sunlight without turning your windows into giant heat radiators.
“You can feel the difference in minutes,” she stated.
More money-saving tips to keep in mind
This is one of the easiest things to overlook, but your ceiling fan should spin counterclockwise during the summer. That direction pushes air downward, creating a wind chill effect that makes the room feel cooler without actually lowering the temperature. According to Home Depot, using your fan this way can let you raise your thermostat by about four degrees while staying comfortable, potentially cutting cooling costs by up to 30%. Most fans have a small switch on the motor that changes the blade direction.
Another simple tip is to leave interior doors open. Opening bedroom, bathroom, and closet doors allows cool air to circulate more freely throughout your home instead of getting trapped in one area. Better airflow means your cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep every room comfortable.
Your air filter might also be costing you money, as a dirty filter restricts airflow, forcing your air conditioner to run longer and work harder to cool your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for roughly half of the average home’s energy use, and simply replacing a clogged filter can reduce energy consumption by up to 15%.
Cleaning your outdoor AC unit and keeping fresh filters installed can also help prevent expensive repairs later.
Small changes make a big difference
As the heat wave continues, even small improvements in airflow and insulation can translate into noticeable savings over the entire summer. You may not be able to control the weather, but you can control how hard your air conditioner has to work. So, follow these tips to ensure your home is not fighting against your plan to save.
Source: New York Post