Smart Strategies for Saving Money at Home During the Summer
Summer is the season of sunshine, beach trips, and unfortunately, often higher energy bills. With temperatures rising, many people turn to their air conditioners for comfort. But this doesn’t have to mean a spike in your household expenses. There are several effective ways to stay cool while also being energy-efficient and saving money at home during these warmer months.
Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely
One of the simplest ways to save money is to adjust your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re not home or when you don’t need the house to be as cool. Consider setting it to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you are home and about 85 degrees Fahrenheit when you are away. You can save up to 10% a year on cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
A programmable thermostat can make this easier by automatically adjusting the temperatures according to your schedule. This prevents unnecessary cooling and ensures a comfortable temperature when you’re actually at home.
Utilize Ceiling Fans For Summer
Ceiling fans can be a game-changer in making a room feel cooler without the high costs associated with air conditioning. They consume far less electricity and can make a room feel up to four degrees cooler by creating a “wind chill” effect. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room; fans cool people, not rooms.
Seal Up Leaks
Air leaks around windows and doors can undermine your cooling efforts. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal any gaps that might let hot air in or cool air out. This not only helps in maintaining a comfortable temperature but also reduces the strain on your cooling system, thereby saving you money.
Opt for Energy-Efficient Lighting
Traditional incandescent light bulbs emit a significant amount of heat. Switching to LED or CFL bulbs can reduce the heat output and lower your electricity consumption because they are much more energy-efficient and have a longer lifespan.
Invest in Insulation
Proper insulation is often associated with keeping heat in during the winter, but it’s just as important for keeping heat out during the summer. Investing in good attic insulation can make a big difference in your comfort level and energy bills.
Maintain Your Cooling Systems
Regular maintenance of your HVAC system(s) can prevent costly emergencies and inefficiencies when performed by experienced professionals. Clean or replace filters monthly or as recommended, and have a professional tune-up twice a year (in the spring and fall). This helps your system run more efficiently, using less energy and saving you money.
Use Appliances Judiciously
Appliances generate heat when in use. To save money, avoid using heat-producing appliances such as ovens and clothes dryers during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, take advantage of cooler evenings or early mornings, or consider alternatives like grilling outside or air-drying laundry.
Be Smart with Water Use
Using water wisely can also contribute to energy efficiency during the summer. Take shorter showers to reduce water heating costs, and consider lowering the temperature on your water heater. Additionally, watering gardens or lawns in the early morning or late evening can minimize evaporation and make the most of every drop.
Harness Natural Ventilation
Take advantage of cooler nights by opening windows to create cross-ventilation and flush out the hot air. Ensure that the layout of your home allows for the free flow of air, and close windows and blinds during the day to keep the hot sun out.
Install Reflective Window Films or Blinds
Reflective window films or blinds can bounce back a significant amount of sunlight and associated heat, keeping indoor spaces cooler. These upgrades can be particularly effective on west-and south-facing windows which receive the most sunlight.
Conclusion
Implementing these strategies can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills during the sweltering summer months. A little bit of effort goes a long way in terms of energy conservation and budget management. By being mindful of these tips, you can stay cool, comfortable, and cost-efficient all summer long.
Contact Us
Stricklin Mechanical specializes in installing high quality air purification solutions and HVAC systems. Our systems have been rated the very best in reliability by a leading consumer reporting magazine for many years.
Stricklin Mechanical is a trusted American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning Dealer in Cullman, Alabama. Call us at 2568416003 for more information and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
