As the weather heats up, you will probably see an increase in your monthly electric bills. Energy conservation in the summer is not only good for the environment, it’s also good for your wallet too. If you are looking to save money on your energy bills this summer follow these tips.
Ensure Proper Ventilation and Insulation
The most prominent cause of skyrocketing energy bills all year round is improper ventilation and insulation in your home. From the attic to the basement, your home should be able to keep air circulating and prevent it from escaping. Air is quite good at finding any available escape route from your home. Some of the many places it can escape include:
- Windows: if your windows are old, they most likely aren’t properly sealed. Try consulting a professional for window installation or replacement. Window placement is also important in your home because it can create a nice cross breeze that naturally ventilates and cools your house on warm days.
- Doors: if you don’t have a weather strip on your doors, or if they are improperly fit to the frame, air can easily escape.
- Walls: poorly insulated wall let air pass through so make sure that your walls are properly insulated keeping the cool air indoors as much as possible
- Attic: a poorly insulated attic can also cause your house to heat up, so check the insulation there too.
If you suspect that your home does not have the proper insulation or ventilation, contact an insulation and ventilation specialist to come out and inspect your home.
Simple Tips
Your house may not need big renovations to help keep energy costs down during the summer. There are many things that you can do around the house that help keep it cool in the summer:
- Close your shades to prevent sunlight from heating up the interior of your home.
- Avoid using appliances that generate heat (your oven, dishwasher, dryer, etc.)
- Set your temperature to the highest temperature that makes you comfortable.
- Install ceiling fans (or use floor fans) to keep air moving throughout your house.
- Get your A/C tuned to maximize its performance.
- Use a dehumidifier to pull moisture from the air (great for basements if you don’t want to run the A/C in the lower level).
- Turn off the A/C when you are not at home.
- Go outside and explore your city/state. The more you are not at home, the less you will have to run your A/C.
Bonus Tip (this one may take awhile)
If you plan on being in your house for many years down the line, you can also plant trees on your property to help keep your house in the shade!
