Beating the Heat Without Breaking the Bank: Tips to Save Energy This Summer

Keeping your home cool is a constant battle against the blazing summer sun. It’s all too easy to rack up those utility bills in a desperate attempt to escape the heat and humidity. What steps can you take to beat the heat without breaking the bank? These energy-saving practices can save you hundreds of dollars every year without compromising your comfort.

Choose An Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner

Energy Star certified air conditioners are about 15% more efficient than non-certified models. That translates into significant savings on your electric bill! Adhere to a regular maintenance schedule and change your filters frequently. Better yet, buy reusable filters, which can last up to 10 years!

Install a smart thermostat

Smart thermostats keep track of energy use to avoid wastage. Those that come with a WiFi-enabled wireless remote can pair with your smartphone, tablet, or computer so you can keep your home warmer while you’re away. The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the less energy you’ll expend. Every degree above 72° will save up to 3% of your cooling expenses.

Utilize Fans to Maximize cooling

The windchill effect of a ceiling fan amplifies the power of your AC, so you can comfortably turn your thermostat up 4° without sensing a change in temperature. But remember that fans cool people, not rooms. Make sure you turn them off when a room is empty to conserve electricity.

Upgrade your windows and curtains

Windows are key to insulating your home against extreme temperatures, hot or cold. Install Energy Star certified windows that have low solar heat gain coefficient. You can also upgrade existing windows by applying surface treatments and coatings, caulk, seals, and weatherstripping. In addition, high-quality blackout curtains block out the summer heat and trap cool air inside your home, reducing heat gain by up to 25%!

Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lighting

LED light bulbs operate at a lower wattage, produce half as much heat, use 75% less energy, and last about 50 times longer than incandescent light bulbs–now that’s a no-brainer!

Conserve energy when using your appliances and electronics

Using the oven and stove top can raise the temperature of your kitchen and nearby rooms by a whopping 10°, so take advantage of the microwave and outdoor grill on especially hot days. Use warm or cold water in your washer and air dry your laundry when possible. Dishwashers can also give off a lot of heat, so try air drying or hand drying your dishes instead. Since thermostats can detect heat from nearby appliances, avoid installing your thermostat near devices such as TVs and lamps. Energy-efficient power strips, which cut power to devices that are turned off, can take 10% off your monthly electric bill!

Adjust your water heater settings

Although most water heaters are automatically set at 130°, energy companies recommend manually turning the temperature setting down a notch to 120°. Not only will you avoid scalding your skin, you’ll also save energy and help preserve the coolness of your home.

Include deciduous shade trees in your landscaping

Do not underestimate the power of shade! Planting trees that shade your AC unit will help it run cooler and more efficiently. When trees provide shade to the east and west sides of your property, they can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 35%! Dark pavement absorbs heat and warms the air above while lighter colored pavement can reflect heat onto nearby buildings. Tree leaves, however, will absorb the light energy and reduce the heat produced by pavement.

With these energy-saving tips and tricks, you can enjoy a refreshing break from the summer heat without spiking your utility bills. Plus, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint in the process!