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Posted onKeep Cool for Less in Chicagoland
Summer is right around the corner, and this year is set to potentially be the hottest on record. And to top it off, Chicago is notorious for being a heat island. So, keeping cool using your AC can seem impossible without incurring a high electricity bill. But don't worry, we have tips to help make cooling your Chicago home a breeze!
Prep By Pre Cooling Your Home
Before the heat begins building on really hot days, you can prep your home by pre-cooling your home during off peak hours. Run your AC after 9 pm and before 9 am. Then, during peak hours, raise your home's thermostat to cut your AC's runtime. This way, your home will take longer to heat up when the sun is beating down.
Additionally, avoid running other appliances during peak hours. Using a dryer, oven, or even the dishwasher can raise your home's temperature. Consider hanging clothes to dry, using something like a crockpot instead of your oven to cook, and running your dishwasher during off peak hours.
Inspect and Maintain Your AC
Inspecting and maintaining your AC will let it run efficiently, saving on energy costs and cooling your home easily. The easiest things you can do to maintain your AC are changing the filters, cleaning the outside condenser coils, and ensuring good airflow.
Did you know that replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5% to 15%? Air filters should usually be changed every 1-3 months, but check your manufacturer's instructions. Remember, ditching the dirty filter can drastically improve the air quality in your home.
An air conditioner’s outside condensing coils help it change warm air into cool air. Clean and inspect your condensing coils at least once a year. Clear away brush and weeds that can block off airflow, as well. We suggest using foaming coil cleaner and washing it away with your garden hose.
Lastly, ensure good airflow throughout your home by keeping all of your vents clear of obstructions and open. Closing off unused rooms can seem like a good idea, but can unbalance your home's ventilation system. And that could result in rooms being cooler or warmer and increasing your bills.
Cooling without AC
There’s a few other things you can do to keep cool without AC.
- Wear the right clothes. Loose, lightly colored clothing in natural fibers will keep you breezy in the windy city. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Make sure you stay hydrated so you sweat. Sweat is the main way our bodies maintain cooler temperatures. Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic and caffeine-free beverages. And, taking a cold shower can quickly lower your core temperature if you're overheating.
- Speaking of sweat, fans help you stay cool by evaporating sweat. They also cost much less to run than AC!
- On brutally hot days, in the shade as much as possible. If you are out during the day, take advantage of indoor places with AC. Public libraries, pools, and museums are all great choices.
Remember apartment dwellers -- Chicago does have cooling ordinances that might apply to you.
Cool Off with a Fixed Electricity Rate
Now you're more prepared for the incoming summer heat. But even an efficient AC can't save you from high electricity rates. Shop now for a reliable fixed rate, compare electricity providers, and find the best electricity plan for you all in one place. Visit https://www.ilenergyratings.com