When the hotter months of summer come rolling in here in the Minneapolis MN area, the days can become unbearable. If you have central air and you turn it down as the temperature is going up, the bills you see might be a bit more than you would like.
If trying to keep cool has got you losing yours, here are some tips to make sure that you can cut those summer bills and make sure to get back on track with your bills and your cool air.
You May Need a More Efficient Central Cooling System
Maybe the air conditioning unit that you’re using is outdated. You may be able to have it fixed if it is not working like it once did. Hot Minnesota summers can be hard on central air units, and eventually they will wear out. Consider replacing or repairing the one that you currently have. While there’s an initial up-front cost to do so, in the long run you’ll save money because the new unit will be more energy-efficient and will cost less to run. Look for an Energy Star model that does not have to work so hard.
Always make sure to change out the air filters every other month, if not more. This is to ensure that your system is working at its best performance. If the inside of the unit has to work harder, your bill is going to go higher. Dirty filters can also make your unit wear out faster.
Use Your Ceiling and Window Fans Effectively
Fans will not cool down a room; they actually cool down your body, so the room feels cooler. You can benefit from the air circulation in the room on a hot day since it provides additional air flow. It gives you the feeling of being cooler, even if the temperature in the room has not actually changed. One way to save money on your bills is to turn the fans off if no one is in the room. Also, if you put the fans in front of the window when it is cool at night, you can then turn off your A/C unit and let the night air cool your home (just remember to shut the windows in the early morning; this traps the cool air in the home for the rest of the day).
If you want to use ceiling fans, check out the CFM rating. You want one with the highest that you’re able to find since it moves the most air throughout the room. Also, many ceiling fans have switches that allow you to reverse them. For the best cooling effect, the blades should rotate counterclockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter. (Check out this article for proper use of ceiling fans.)
Choose to Install New Energy-Efficient Windows
If you have older windows, then perhaps it is time to replace them. Old windows that don’t fit well in their openings or ones that aren’t very well insulated can be a major culprit for high cooling expenses. You need to make sure that you’re not losing your cool air or letting hot air in through cracks that might be in older windows. These drafts can make your energy bills rise. Replace weatherstripping, caulk the windows or – better yet – just replace them altogether to ensure that you do not keep paying the high bills. Replacing your windows now also ensures that you will keep the heat in when the winter hits.
In addition to more energy-efficient windows, there are blinds, drapes and insulated panels that are able to keep the cool air in and the hot air outside. They can also keep the sun’s heat from transferring to the inside of your home.
Here at Window Outfitters we’re committed to providing the best in energy-efficient replacement windows for the Minneapolis and St. Paul MN area. If your cooling bills have got you sweating, speak with us about getting a free estimate for new windows. We can help you keep comfortable in any season. We offer a wide selection of quality windows from such companies as Marvin, ComfortLine, and Pella. Check out some of our window options on our Pinterest page. Then if you see something you like, give us a call at (952) 746-6661.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
