Does the fear of sweltering heat and higher utility bills have you down as summer approaches? Don’t worry. Here are some summer home energy tips to help you cool your home more efficiently, lower your utility costs and hopefully ease your mind.
These home energy-saving tips can significantly improve the comfort of your home and may help lower your utility bills. However, sometimes your AC needs a tuneup or repair to help it keep up with summer heat. If you suspect that’s the case, then contact Comfortec today.
Use your ceiling fans
Ceiling fans are an excellent way to cool your home more efficiently and lower utility costs. They work by circulating the air in a room, creating a breeze that can make the room feel up to 4 degrees cooler. This can help you reduce your reliance on your air conditioner, saving you money on your energy bills.
To get the most benefit from your ceiling fans, be sure to set them to rotate counterclockwise in the summer. This will push the air down, creating a cooling effect. You can also use ceiling fans to circulate the air in your home when you’re not using your air conditioner. This can help to keep your home cool and comfortable all summer long.
In addition to saving you money on your energy bills, ceiling fans can also improve your comfort. The breeze created by ceiling fans can help to keep you cool and relaxed, even on the hottest days of summer. Ceiling fans can also help to improve air quality by circulating the air and reducing the amount of dust and pollen in the air.
If you don’t have ceiling fans in your home, consider installing them. They’re a great way to improve your home’s comfort and efficiency, and they can save you money on your energy bills.
Maintain your air conditioner
Maintaining your air conditioner is crucial for ensuring its efficient operation and reducing energy costs. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and extend the lifespan of your unit.
Here are a few tips for maintaining your air conditioner:
1. Change the air filter regularly. A dirty air filter can block airflow and reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner. Check the filter monthly and replace it when it is dirty.
2. Clean the condenser coils. The condenser coils are located on the outside of your air conditioner. They can become dirty from dust, dirt, and debris, which can reduce the unit’s efficiency. Clean the coils at least once a year with a garden hose and a mild detergent.
3. Check the refrigerant levels. Low refrigerant levels can cause your air conditioner to work harder than necessary, which can increase energy consumption. Have the refrigerant levels checked by a qualified technician at least once a year.
4. Seal any leaks. Leaks in the ductwork can allow cooled air to escape, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioner. Seal any leaks with duct tape or mastic sealant.
5. Get regular professional maintenance. A qualified technician can perform a comprehensive maintenance check of your air conditioner and identify any potential problems. Regular maintenance can help prevent costly repairs and keep your unit running efficiently.
By following these tips, you can maintain your air conditioner and make sure it is operating efficiently, helping you save money on your energy bills.
Use blackout curtains
Blackout curtains are one of the best ways to help keep your home cooler, reduce glare, and improve sleep quality. Blackout curtains are a great way to block out sunlight and heat, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer. They can also reduce glare, which can make it easier to watch TV or work on your computer. And they can help improve sleep quality by blocking out light and noise.
Blackout curtains are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, so you can find the perfect ones to match your home décor. They can also be hung in a variety of ways, so you can find the perfect way to install them for your windows.
If you’re looking for a way to keep your home cooler, reduce glare, and improve sleep quality, blackout curtains are a great option. They’re a relatively inexpensive investment that can make a big difference in the comfort of your home.
Here are some tips for choosing and using blackout curtains:
- Choose curtains that are made from a thick, opaque fabric. This will help to block out the most light and heat.
- Make sure the curtains are wide enough to cover your entire window, and long enough to reach the floor. This will help to block out as much light as possible.
- Hang the curtains as close to the window as possible. This will help to prevent light and heat from leaking in around the edges of the curtains.
- If you have a lot of windows in your home, consider installing blackout curtains on the windows that get the most sun. This will help to keep your home cooler and more comfortable.
Blackout curtains are a great way to improve the comfort of your home and reduce your energy costs. By following these tips, you can choose and use blackout curtains that will work best for your home.
Unplug unused devices
Unplugging unused devices is another effective way to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs. Many devices, such as TVs, computers, and phone chargers, continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. To prevent this energy waste, simply unplug these devices when you’re not using them.
You can also use a power strip to make it easier to unplug multiple devices at once. Power strips usually have a main switch that turns off all the devices plugged into it. This makes it easy to turn off all your devices with the flip of a switch.
Another tip is to look for devices that have an “energy-saving” mode. This mode reduces the amount of power the device uses when it’s not in use. If a device has an energy-saving mode, be sure to turn it on when you’re not using it.
By following these tips, you can unplug unused devices and reduce your energy consumption. This will not only save you money on your utility bills, but it will also help to protect the environment.
Try to limit opening your fridge
Limiting how often you open your fridge is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to save energy and lower your utility bills during the summer. Every time you open the door, you let in warm air and humidity, which forces your fridge to work harder and use more energy to cool down again.
So, try to think about what you need before opening the fridge, and try to get everything you need in one go. You can also save energy by keeping your fridge organized so that you can easily find what you’re looking for.
Here are some additional tips for limiting how often you open your fridge:
- Keep a list of what you need on the outside of the fridge so you don’t have to open it to remember what you need.
- Store frequently used items in the front of the fridge so you don’t have to dig around for them.
- Group similar items together so you can easily find what you’re looking for.
- Consider installing a clear fridge organizer so you can see what’s inside without opening the door.
- If you have a lot of people in your household, consider getting a second fridge or freezer to store extra food and drinks.
- If you are going away on vacation, unplug your fridge and freezer to save energy.
By following these tips, you can help keep your home cool and comfortable during the summer while also lowering your utility bills.