Summer time is here, which means so is the heat! Air conditioners are blowing and energy bills are rising, but here are a few summer saving tips to keep your home cool without breaking the bank!
1) Change out incandescent light bulbs with EPA’s Energy Star quality bulbs to save energy and money.
2) Set your thermostat two degrees higher. You’ll still stay cool and save money too!
3) Utilize the ceiling fans in your home wherever they’re installed to keep cool air circulating. Just be sure to turn them off when you leave the room. Remember, they’re there to keep you cool, not the empty room.
4) Check and regularly maintain you’re A/C unit. Keep any outside units clear of debris and try to change out your air filters quarterly. If you have allergy sufferers or smokers in your home, change them out a little more often.
5) Purchase curtains, shades, or blinds for your windows to keep out the sun’s heat. Make sure the windows and casings have proper weather stripping and caulking to keep cool air in and hot air out. You can even look into applying solar film to the exterior of your windows to further repel the summer heat.
6) Run heat-using appliances, such as your dishwasher and washer and dryer, during the early morning or evening hours when it’s cooler out to avoid extra heat during the peak daytime temperatures.
7) If nights are cooler, turn the A/C off at night and open the windows to take advantage of the nighttime air.
8) When you’re not home, turn the thermostat up a few degrees, then turn it back down once you get home to keep your home comfortably cool when you’re there to enjoy it.
9) Avoid placing lamps or TVs near A/C units. Many cooling systems can sense the heat from these appliances, causing it to run longer than necessary.
10) Turn your water heater down to the warm setting (120°F) to save energy and avoid scalding your hands at the same time!
