AC Use Costs UI Customers
![AC Use Costs UI Customers Cut your AC use this summer and save on your UI electricity bills. Learn the best ways to keep your home cool and save money.](https://www.ctenergyratings.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/AC-use-costs-300x200.jpg)
UI’s customers are staring down a hot and humid two weeks. In fact, WFSB’s 10-day forecast is predicting the heat to stay in the low to mid 80’s. And that means many UI customers are turning on their air conditioning systems. But with electricity rates higher than normal, that means less money for the coming autumn. So let’s explore simple ways you can cut AC use.
Why Attics Cost UI Customers Money
According to HGTV, attics can get up to 150 degrees in the summer. And that heat can and will get into your home. That means you’ll need to run your AC system longer, using more energy for the same comfort.
So here’s what you can do.
Simple Benefits Of Attic Sealing
Even with proper insulation, air leaks in your attic can cause your home to lose conditioned air and that increases your energy costs. But you can prevent this with an attic sealing project. But be sure to check your attic for air leaks to see if this is necessary.
ENERGY STAR states that most homeowners can save up to 15% on energy costs with a sealed and insulated home and attic.
But be sure to seal before you insulate!
Cut AC Use With Insulation
Insulation doesn’t just keep warm air in during the winter, it also helps keep warm air out during the summer. And the heat gained during the summer must be removed by your AC. The good news is that proper insulation can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs plus up to 10% on your total energy costs for the year.
The Department of Energy offers this handy guide for home installation.
Why Attic Ventilation?
A roof’s main job is to shield the floors below from rain, snow, and the sun. But roofs work best –and last longer– if the space underneath them is kept cool. And that’s what attic ventilation is all about.
As This Old House explains, “moisture and summertime heat can accumulate to undesirable levels in the attic space.” All that excess heat in the attic migrates down through the framing, heating up the rooms below. That makes your AC run longer, raising your UI electric bill. Installing gable vents and soffit vents allow cooler outside air to enter the attic space. While ridge vents and other kinds of roof vents let the heated air leave your home. This air flow keeps attics cool and helps lower AC costs.
Poorly ventilated attics can also lead to ice dams in the winter as well as mold and wood rot if water vapor has nowhere to go. For that reason, if you’re planning DIY attic ventilation then make sure your insulation does not have a vapor barrier on it.
It’s hard to deny that this has been a hot and humid summer. And it’s natural to crank up the ACs to stay comfortable. But with some simple attic adjustments, you can save money and cut back on energy use for your AC.
UI Customers Save Money on AC
You can keep up with the news that affects your bills at https://www.ctenergyratings.com. You can also shop for great plans and find ways to save money on lower electricity rates.