People will fire up their air conditioning units as the warmer months arrive, but there is a simple guideline you should follow.
Heatwave concern have been issued in recent days across the United States, with areas such as the Southwest, Mid-South, and Plains seeing record-breaking temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heat index values have exceeded 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius) in certain sections of the country.
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More than 100 million people in the United States were issued heat advisories on Sunday (June 23), according to Reuters.
Given the high temperatures, many Americans will have relied largely on their air conditioners to keep them cool.
Some individuals, understandably, have been setting their thermostats to the lowest feasible temperature, but it turns out that doing so may be squandering energy – and hence money.
The simplest approach to avoid this is to follow the ’20 degree rule’, which is rather simple.
Anthony Cook of Alabama Power has outlined what this is and how it can assist people avoid their energy bills increasing in price.
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According to Cook, due of the way they are made, most air conditioners will only go around 20 degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature.
While you can set the temperature lower than this, it’s unlikely to get that chilly.
Cook explained with WBRC: “What it’s going to do is it’s going to continue to run in order to try and reach the temperature of where you set it but it really won’t get it beyond that 20 degree mark and so you’re gonna be wasting energy, which in turn wastes money.”
Basically, if it’s 90 degrees outside, there’s not much point setting your thermostat below 70.
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Away from your AC units, Alabama Power has issued some other money-saving tips to keep your energy bills lower this summer.
Cook further advised: “We also recommend off-peak hours for large appliances like washing clothes and washing dishes.
“Doing that after 8pm or before 6am. Those overnight hours will help you use your units efficiently and that helps you save money.”
