Prepare your home to face the summer heat
Don’t let summer heat up your energy bill
This summer may be a hot one and that has many homeowners working up a sweat. Not just from the higher temperatures but also from the anticipation of the first utility bill after the summer heat starts to take hold. Don’t let that bill blindside you! Do these easy tasks now to prepare your home to face the summer heat and increase energy efficiency.
10 summer energy savings tips
Change the air filter
A simple task that can help make sure your air conditioning is ready for the increased workload from the sweltering summer heat. Learn how often you need to change the air filter.
Wash your outdoor AC unit
Clear away any excess weeds and plants growing by and around the outside unit. Consult your manual and turn off the power before cleaning. If you haven’t performed maintenance in a while, call your local HVAC professional to check all of the parts and connections. Click here to learn about signs you might need a new air conditioner.
Clear the air vents
Cold air can’t get through if the vent is blocked. Vacuum and dust your air vents and make sure the air flow is clear from furniture, drapes, laundry piles, or messy piles from the kids.
Install and use a Wi-Fi thermostat
Smart thermostats like Sensi™ Smart Thermostats deliver precise temperature control. Its convenient mobile app makes it easy to create custom schedules that fit your lifestyle. No more having to remember to adjust the temperature when no one is home! Be sure to invest in a quality product from a brand you can trust. Learn more about the perks of a modern Wi-Fi thermostat.
Seal windows and doors
It’s easier to remember that windows and doors are a huge culprit of energy loss when you can feel the frigid air coming through but hot air can sneak in just as easily. Seal up gaps and fix any cracks in the caulk that might have happened over the winter. If energy-efficient windows aren’t in the budget this year, consider adding heat-blocking window film or sun-reflecting shades to help to reduce summer heat gain.
Reduce your hot water use
Fix leaky pipes, install low-flow showerheads and faucets, use warm or cold temps for laundry, and wash as many dishes as you can by hand.
Turn off the lights
You don’t need extra heat-emitting lightbulbs adding to the summer heat. Remember to turn off lights in rooms that aren’t being used.
Adjust ceiling fan direction
While portable fans and ceiling fans don’t cool rooms (they cool people), they can go a long way in contributing to your home comfort by making it feel cooler. During the summer months, turn the blade direction counter-clockwise to pull the cold air closer to the floor–and you.
Turn off power-sucking appliances If you have a home device or appliance that gives off a buzzing, humming, or fan sound or is warm to the touch, then you have a phantom power sucker than can drain your energy bill. Since many of us won’t remember to turn off these devices when not in use, a smart power strip can help save energy this summer by shutting off appliances that go into standby mode. Learn more about energy vampires.
Conduct a home energy audit
Many utilities offer home energy audit programs or services. These audits can help homeowners to discover how their individual homes are losing energy and advise on additional steps to take to become more efficient.
When the heat is on, these simple tasks can help you save money this summer.
