When the weather is warm, you will probably spend a lot of money and use a lot of energy, to keep your home cool. However, there are some simple and inexpensive actions you can take to maximize your savings during the hot summer months. In addition to getting an energy audit, here are some helpful tips for homeowners.
- Open your windows when possible. In the heat of the day you may want to keep your windows closed, but as the weather cools off at night, consider letting the natural air inside.
- Install window coverings to keep cool air inside. Window treatments and coverings can improve energy efficiency when it’s hot outside. When you are not using a room or you don’t need the sunlight to see, consider keep the windows covered.
- Operate your thermostat efficiently. Set your thermostat as high as possible in the summer months. The greater the difference in outdoor and indoor temperature, the more expensive your cooling bill will be. If you are away, lower the thermostat setting to 78 degrees. Add a SMART thermostat to best monitor and manage your indoor temperature.
- Use fans for ventilation. A ceiling fan can increase cooling efficiency when used with air conditioning. It will allow you to raise the thermostat setting with no reduction in comfort. If you leave the room, be sure to turn off the fan, as it will not cool off the room. Fans only cool people by creating a wind chill effect.
- Schedule regular maintenance for your cooling system. Have a licensed technician check out your system once a year. Regular maintenance will ensure small problems get fixed before they become costly repairs.
- Avoid creating extra heat in your home. Using your oven on hot days or using inefficient lighting can create extra heat inside. Use the outdoor grill, install efficient lighting, and take advantage of natural daylight, when you can.
While you’re busy saving money and energy on cooling your home, you might want to think about saving water. By installing a rain barrel on your home’s gutter system, you can collect water to use around your landscape. Rain barrels provide and alternative to using municipal water or well water for irrigation. Before installing, have the experts at Outback Guttervac clean and remove debris from your gutter system. Call today for a free quote.
