re: Tips on how to bring down your energy bill during the summer

I only run portable A/C in tbe room I am in.

I get cold, so I mostly just run the fan but alternate with dehumidifier

quote:

---

Energy company says 78 when home, 85 when away from home.. Mine stays on 68

---

That’s about how we roll also. I work hard to live comfortable

quote:

---

It's a 120V source vs a 240V AC unit.

If the dehumidifier makes it more comfortable, the main AC unit will not have to run as much; thereby saving $$.

---

It only saves money if you turn the temperature up enough to more than offset the extra cooling time to cool the air heated by the dehumidifier.

An average dehumidifier is going to produce about 1800 BTU while running so if it runs 1/2 the time it will take a 4 ton AC unit about 30 extra minutes a day to remove that heat from the house. You also have to offset the cost of running the dehumidifier.

The more common way to accomplish this is through a multi-stage AC system which runs at lower power consumption to dehumidify the air. It is far more efficient since the heat produced in the process is blown out the top of the condensing unit outdoors. That allows you to keep a lower humidity in the house which especially in SELA lets you be comfortable at a higher tenperature setting. The question is how long must the unit last to start saving you money over a single stage system set to a lower temperature.

I looked this up last year and one of the easier solutions was keeping ceiling fans on throughout the house.

Mine is $750+ June-Aug

5k sf w/ pool. Gas appliances. VSP pool pump. Mini split in 3 car garage + above bonus room.

Does window film actually help?

quote:

---

Energy company says 78 when home

---

When it is 90+ outside, 78 feels ok.

I will pay whatever it takes to stay comfortable during the summertime here in Texas, and I'm blessed to be able to do so.

quote:

---

Get dark out shades and keep them closed

---

The key is to block before it gets through the window. Blackout shades or curtains will absorb the heat and then transfer into the air. The heat still gets in.

If windows are not modern and block properly, an inexpensive option is DIY tint that blocks. Otherwise replace windows(not inexpensive).

The majority of energy consumption in a home is from AC(in tropical climates like the south).

The following is the best approach for the vast majority of homes:

1. Contact your utility company and ask about what free energy efficiency home service programs they offer(many do). Someone local comes out, tests the home with a blower door test first, seals gaps, improves weather stripping around doors, use mastic and tape to seal your AC handler that is probably in the attic and probably not perfectly sealed, and so on. They will test again after to document the improvement they must report back to the energy company. If your energy company doesn’t offer this, google search and pay someone to do it(probably $500-$1200 in most cases). This is the top thing most homes need that has the highest impact on consumption/bill. Also consider that this will help your home hold temp longer, so your AC system will have to cycle on less times per day to hold temp. Which increases the longevity of AC units.

2. Buy smart thermostats like Nest and set them up properly. Your house doesn’t need to be 68-72 when nobody is home during the day. If you have more than one unit(like an upstairs and a downstairs, or a separate unit for you personal chef/driver, or PJ pilot’s quarters…have those set at 82 when nobody is using the space). You will be amazed at how much this changes your consumption/bill.

3. Make home more insulated all places heat can transfer easily. Windows, doors, through ceiling from attic, floors if on piers, etc. Research and make all more sealed and insulated.

Keep good records of any of the things you do to make your home more energy efficient. This will continue to become a more discussed part of a home when buyers are looking to buy, especially as utility rates keep rising. Look at it as an investment in the home that pays you back monthly through your bill and also makes your home more desirable when selling.

Best of luck!