6 Tips To Save Energy & Keep Cool Next Summer
Once the summer comes, the same dilemma arises - is it possible to cool down the house, while saving energy and money at the same time? No one likes sultry summer days, but no one likes high bills either. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your house cool when summer rolls back around next year.
Keep Your House in a Shade
The simplest way to keep your house cool is to keep it in a shade. Close curtains and blinds during the hottest part of the day, and it will lower the heat gain by a whopping 45%. Simple, I know, but many seem to forget this!
Do Not Let the Cold Air Slip Out and Warm Air Flow In
Check windows and doors for unwanted leaky spots and apply caulk to seal them up. Also, contact your contractor, and see how you can improve the insulation of the attic and walls. This is huge! If your home has poor insulation you energy bill will take serious blows.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
With a programmable thermostat, you can make your house cooler by the time you come home! There are even some that you can control at a distance with an app on your phone!
Remember a Good Old Ceiling Fan?
A central air conditioner may have taken over it’s glory during the last few years, but a ceiling fan can help you cool down the room, too. With just 10% of the energy of a central air conditioner, a good old fan will make your room feel up to 10% cooler. For the best air circulation, set it in a counterclockwise direction.
Take Care of Your Central Air Conditioner
If you have decided to use central air conditioning, make sure it is filtered regularly, since that could lower its energy consumption up to 15%. And do not forget to check and clean its evaporator coils, too. It will improve the airflow.
And remember - if you want a small energy bill, keep the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures as small as possible!
Lower Electronics Consumption
Oven, dryers, dishwashers, computers, and all the other appliances that generate a lot of heat are not your best friends during the summer. You might want to think twice before you turn any of them on. And remember to turn them off when not using them, too.
With these tips, you can finally enjoy cool summer days while saving energy and money at the same time.