The summer can bring sweltering days and humid nights. Sometimes the heat is so overwhelming it makes you wish summer would go away and never come back again. Especially, when you open your electric bill and discover the high cost of keeping your home cool. That is why it’s so important to get your home ‘summerized’ just like you winterize your home before the winter months. If you have not ‘summerized’ your home yet, do not worry, you still have time. Here are a few summer energy-saving tips to keep your home cool and your energy costs in check.
1. Invest in Smart Thermostat
What can a smart thermostat do that a standard one cannot do? A smart thermostat will allow you to adjust the temperature of your house from anywhere, essentially from a mobile device that has Internet access. Some, such as Nest, even go the extra mile and turn off when you leave. A smart thermostat will also allow you to keep track of your usage. Most of all, it allows you to save on high energy costs. You ask how much. Most homeowners report saving $250 in the first year of using a smart thermostat. That includes controlling heat in the winter months, which could be even more costly! Our Recommendation: A Nest Thermostat
2. If You Are Not Using a Room Keep, It Closed
Perhaps the easiest and least expensive tip we will share in this article: Make sure to keep doors and vents are closed in rooms that you are not using. Why waste energy-cooling rooms that are not being used. If you can do this to 2 standard sized rooms in your home, you can save almost $150 per year.
3. Invest in a Reusable Air Filter
If your air conditioner is not blowing out crisp cool air and it seems inefficient, it may be time to replace your air filter. It is highly recommended to replace air filters every 2-3 months which can cost roughly $40 per year for disposable ones. Our Recommendation: Samsung Air Purifiers (Starting at $229.99)
4. Set Your Water Heater Temperature to 120 Degrees
If your water heater is set to 140+ degrees in your water heater, you are wasting a good amount of energy. Homeowners lose up to $60 yearly in heat losses, according to the EPA. Most water heaters can be adjusted by simply turning the knob on the control board with a screw driver. Here is a 2 minute video from Mr. Rooter showing you how to adjust the water heater temperature.
5. Keep Your Condenser Unit Clear From Debris
Homeowners who have central air should consider getting rid of debris, such as grass clippings and dead leaves. If you have shrubbery surrounding the unit, consider getting it trimmed back. Then hose down the outside coils, and vacuum the vents to prevent any blockage keeping smooth, clean air flow through the unit. For those who use the traditional window units, make sure to take 5 minutes to dust the unit on the outside and vacuum the inside.
