Summer Energy Saving Tips
Inside today’s blog post you will find some simple ways to save on your monthly energy bills and reduce energy waste during the summer season – without having to sacrifice your home’s comfort. Keep reading to learn how to save money, conserve energy, and, best of all, keep cool!
Reduce Energy Waste in the Summer
Summer is here and things are starting to heat up. While your first instinct may be to lower your HVAC settings and crank the air conditioning as low as it can go, there are some more energy-friendly ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Energy Audits and Energy Assessments
Without a doubt, one of the best ways to save money on your monthly utility bills in the summer – and in every season – is to have a home energy auditor conduct an energy audit or energy assessment for your home. During this process, an energy auditor will analyze your home and look for any signs of energy waste, such as air leaks, poor insulation and issues with your ventilation. Most energy auditors also will be able to help resolve these issues or develop a strategy to fix any problems in your home.
While there may be an up-front cost for this service, in the long run it will help you save money and increase your family’s comfort in the home. It can also increase your property’s value and improve its salability as well.
Adjust Thermostat Settings in the Summer
Using a programmable thermostat is a great way to reduce energy waste during the summer. Programming your HVAC system to keep your home warmer when you are out of the home (while you are at work, away for the weekend or on vacation, etc) is a good start. Having it set to cool at the highest temperature you are comfortable with while you are home is a good money saver too. By programming your system, you do not have to worry about forgetting to adjust the settings every time you leave or come home. Homeowners often forget to change the settings back, resulting in wasted energy.
Keep in mind that setting your air conditioner’s thermostat to a very low temperature will not cool your home any faster, and, in fact, will tax your HVAC system, while increasing your energy use at the same time. Instead of turning your a/c way down, set it at a comfortable temperature and put on some cool clothes or turn on your ceiling fan until the house is cooler.
Other Energy Saving Tips for Summer
Another simple way to save money on your cooling bills is to make good use of your ceiling fans. If set properly, they can disperse the cold air your HVAC unit is blowing throughout your home, making your feel cooler. Note that ceiling fans do not actually cool a room or lower the temperature in your house. Because of this, make a concerted effort to shut off your ceiling fans when you leave the room or your house.
Finally, before summer officially settles in – or shortly thereafter – call in your local HVAC servicing company to have your heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system maintained. A quick tune-up will keep your unit running smoothly and increase its lifespan. Remember, a poorly maintained cooling system will not run efficiently, and an inefficient system requires more electricity to perform its duties.