Summer is the most challenging time of year for energy expenses. Most of us crank our air conditioning systems to battle the rising heat. That mistake leads to higher energy bills and a struggle to pay them at the end of the month.
If you need to save on energy costs and live in a hot place, you’ll enjoy all the tips in this article.
Read everything shared below to look at these options to change your habits today.
Monitor & Adjust the Thermostat
To save on energy this summer, one of the most effective methods is to monitor and adjust your thermostat. On hot days, try to keep the temperature of your house slightly cooler than it would be when it is cold outside.
Your thermostat should be set at a cozy temperature for sleeping, such as 65–72 degrees Fahrenheit. By setting the temperature a few degrees higher, you use less energy to cool the air.
Consider using a programmable thermostat, allowing the temperature to go up and down throughout the day. During colder hours, you can set the temperature higher, and in the day’s heat, you can lower the temperature to use less energy.
If you are out of the house during the day, turn down the thermostat while you’re away and allow it to adjust automatically when you return. Doing this can save you up to 10% a year on energy bills.
Keep Windows and Doors Sealed
Sealing windows and doors is vital to saving energy during the summer months. This can help to keep the cool air in and hot air from outside from entering your home.
Apply Caulk Around the Outside Frames
Applying caulk around the frames of windows and doors is an effective fix. It ensures that no gaps allow hot air from the outside to filter in and cool air from the inside to escape. To apply caulk, clean the frames and use a caulk gun to seal the frames, taking care to use the right caulk.
It’s best to use a silicone-based or low-VOC caulk to create a secure seal that is weatherproof and long-lasting. Monitor your sealant after it’s been applied, as it may need to be replaced over time. The extra effort of using caulk can save energy costs and make your home more comfortable.
Install Weather Stripping
Install weather stripping around all windows and doors, and ensure no gaps or cracks where air can come through. This will help prevent air from coming in or out and reduce the home’s cost of cooling and heating. It is also an effective sound dampener, reducing the noise coming from outside.
For added efficiency, apply a low-expanding foam around windows and doors as an extra insulation layer. These steps can help you stay relaxed and comfortable in your home while saving on energy costs.
Add Blinds and Curtains
To ensure an even more effective seal, add blinds and curtains and close them when it is hot outside. They will block the sun and reduce the heat entering the home. This also avoids unnecessary lighting during the daytime, as it will create more heat.
Keeping windows and doors sealed and using blinds and curtains will help save energy costs by reducing the load on your air conditioner. By having to work less, your air conditioner won’t be left running all day.
Maximize the Use of Natural Light
One of the easiest ways to save on energy this summer is to maximize the use of natural light. This can be done in a variety of ways.
Use Window Film
This summer, maximize the use of natural light to save on energy costs. Window film is a great option to help you do just that. It is an ideal way to reduce cooling costs by reducing the heat entering through your windows.
It reduces up to 84 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet light and lets the natural light in while reflecting the heat. Window films can also reduce fading and provide extra security for your home.
Furthermore, it is relatively easy to install and can be used on any window. This is an attractive, low-cost, and energy-efficient way to save on energy costs this summer.
Invest in Mirrors
It is possible to maximize the use of natural light to save on energy this summer by investing in mirrors. Large wall mirrors can reflect light entering the room through windows or skylights. Mirrors will create a brighter and lighter space, allowing you to use your lights less.
This is especially useful in areas that receive a lot of sunshine, such as living rooms or dining rooms. Also, strategically placed mirrors in the hallway or stair landings can bounce light around the house. This can create an even brighter atmosphere in the home.
Consider Rearranging Your Furniture
Adjusting your furniture so that it is positioned in a way that allows the most natural light to enter. Move large pieces of furniture away from the windows and other natural light sources.
Ensure that the curtains, shades, and other window treatments remained open during the day and closed at night to keep the exterior light from entering and providing unnecessary heat. Small changes can have a big impact on cutting back on energy consumption.
Install Convenient Solar Panels
This summer, consider adding convenient solar panels to your home to save on energy. Solar panels convert the sun’s energy into electricity, creating a clean and renewable power source. Solar energy is free and an abundant resource, so you can harness it to power your home and save money.
They are easy to install and maintain, resulting in long-term savings on your electric bill. Due to recent cost decreases, these panels are now more affordable than ever. Professional installation can ensure that your system is up to code and operates as efficiently as possible.
Furthermore, improved solar panel efficiency will maximize the energy the panels generate. Investing in solar panels is a great way to make your home more energy efficient and reduce your environmental footprint.
As summer arrives, it is time to think about ways to save on energy costs. Installing solar panels is the perfect solution, and Blue Raven Solar is one of the most reliable choices. Solar power lets you stay ahead of the latest technology and lower energy bills.
Invest in Energy Efficient Appliances
This summer, make a smart investment in energy-efficient appliances. Also, to have a positive environmental impact, these appliances can save money and energy in the long run. Replacing older appliances with efficient ones can reduce energy usage by up to 40%.
When picking an energy-efficient appliance, look for the Energy Star label. Additionally, they require less maintenance and last longer than traditional models. Appliances that have earned this label have met specific guidelines and can assist in adequate savings.
Invest in Skylights
During the hot summer months, it can be difficult to save on energy costs. One great way to do this is to invest in skylights. Skylights reduce the need for electric lighting during the day and help keep your home cooler.
They can bring in a lot of natural light and eliminate the need for electric lights. Skylights can help regulate the temperature by allowing hot air to escape your home. They also provide ventilation and help reduce the cost of air conditioning.
With proper installation, it keeps your home naturally cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Additionally, on sunny days, they can help heat your home and reduce the need to use energy for artificial heating.
Skylights are also an excellent form of insulation and can reduce your energy bills significantly. Investing in skylights is a great way to save on energy costs this summer.
Keep Refrigerator and Oven Far From Heat Sources
It is vital to ensure that your refrigerator and oven are far from any heat sources. Heat sources include direct sunlight, a radiator, or an open flame.
Direct sunlight will cause your refrigerator to work harder than it needs to stay cool. So it’s best to keep your refrigerator away from windows.
You should also keep your oven away from any heat sources to ensure that it doesn’t have to work overtime to stay at the ideal temperature. Also, ensure that your refrigerator and oven are in well-ventilated areas, such as away from a wall, to help reduce the energy needed to keep them functioning.
Clean Your Air Conditioning Filters
Clean your air conditioning filters regularly to save energy this summer. Air conditioners work harder when their filters are clogged. That means additional power and the extra money you spend are being used!
To avoid this, check your filters every few weeks and change or clean them as needed. To clean the filter, turn off the AC unit and then remove the filter. Vacuum the filter, then use a damp cloth to wipe it off before placing it back into the unit.
Some filters can be washed with soap and water, while others, like furnace filters, must be disposed of and replaced regularly. Invest in an air conditioner cover to remove dirt and dust, improve AC performance, and reduce energy usage. Spending a few minutes every month cleaning and replacing air filters can save on electric bills and help to reduce energy usage.
Unplug Electronic Devices When Not in Use
A lot of electricity is lost through what are called phantom loads. These are electronic devices that draw small amounts of energy even when they’re turned off. Unplug cell phone and laptop chargers, printers, toasters, and any other appliance that you’re not actively using.
Even though the energy is being pulled from the outlet, it’s not drying your phone or toasting your bread. Unplug anything with a digital display that you don’t use often to avoid phantom load.
Motion-sensing and programmable timers can help automate the process of unplugging devices when not in use. Electronic unplugging devices only need a few seconds of extra effort in the morning or before leaving the house.
Use LED or CFL Bulbs
Saving energy during the summer can help you lower your energy bills significantly. This starts with switching to LED or CFL bulbs. LED lights produce less heat, so you can keep your home cooler and reduce energy use.
LED and CFL bulbs also require less energy, so you can light your home with fewer bulbs. Furthermore, LEDs and CFLs use fewer watts of electricity than incandescent bulbs. This will ensure that you are utilizing energy efficiently.
For added efficiency, you can switch to automated lights, like motion-activated or dimmer switches. Finally, use smart plugs and advanced power strips, which allow you to turn off devices from the wall and control their energy usage. LEDs can also last up to 25 times longer, which could save money on having to replace bulbs.
Paint the Walls With Lighter and Natural Colors
Hot summer days are unbearable when the house is too hot. Dark colors absorb and retain heat. A lighter hue can reflect more light, keeping the interior temperature cooler. Choose light colors like beige, yellow, and light blue to hold in less radiant heat from the sun.
These colors will reflect more light and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day. Paint the inside of your windows and shutters white for more temperature control in the summer. Paint your walls and ceilings with light and natural colors for a cool, energy-saving, proven summer.
Utilize Fans for Air Circulation
AC units can be a massive drain on energy usage during summer months. Utilizing fans to help circulate air in your home and make it feel more comfortable.
Ceiling fans are a great way to keep air flowing in a room and can be used in multiple ways. If you have an AC, you can set your thermostat to a higher temperature and use ceiling fans to help cool the space.
Follow These Tips to Save on Energy Costs
Summer is an excellent opportunity to save on energy costs without sacrificing comfort. You can keep your bills low by implementing simple changes such as maximizing natural lighting, using fans, and unplugging unused devices.
Take advantage of these tips and enjoy the summer season with peace of mind and long-term savings.
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