How the weather can help you save on your electricity bill
Hot and cold extremes traditionally drive up the price of your energy bill
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - It’s no secret that hot and cold days can increase your energy bill. When temperatures are comfortable, there are simple ways to save.
The past few weeks have been great as far as the weather is concerned here in the Midstate. On days when the weather is nice, and it’s not too hot or too cold, you can save on your electricity bill.
The heating and cooling of your home make up most of your energy consumption. If you can find ways to not use your central air, when the weather works in your favor, it can lead to big savings.
When you have temperature extremes, hot or cold, your central air will run for a longer amount of time and will also run more frequently. Temperatures between 50° and 80° generally require less energy.
When the weather is nice and comfortable, opening your windows and/or turning on the fan can be used as a substitute for running the central air. If running your fan, there is a setting you can switch to based on the season.
Ceiling fans can work just like low or high pressure in the atmosphere. Low-pressure spins counterclockwise. If you have your fan set to spin in this direction, the air is forced downward creating a cooling effect. It’s ideal to have your fan set to spin counterclockwise when warm temperatures are being experienced.
During winter, when temperatures are cold, setting your fan to spin clockwise forces warm air trapped toward the ceiling to be pushed outward. This can help to evenly distribute warm air around and keep your central air from frequently turning on.
Likewise, opening your windows on days when it’s too warm inside and the weather is nice outside can also cut your energy consumption by keeping the temperature below where your A/C would be activated.
Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.
