The summer is in full swing. But as days get nicer and temperatures rise, so can your utility bills. Fortunately, a few simple changes can help you stay comfortable while keeping your energy costs under control. Howard Hanna Real Estate Services are here to help with seven practical energy-saving tips.
1. Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely
When the hot weather hits, most times the first move anyone tends to make is a trip to the thermostat to turn down the temperature. While this can make your home much more comfortable, setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re away can significantly reduce cooling costs. You can also consider keeping your home around 78°F when you’re home to see lower prices on your energy bill. Using a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day can also be very helpful.
2. Change Air Filters Regularly
Your air filters can have a huge impact on your bills. A dirty HVAC filter forces your system to work harder, reducing efficiency and increasing energy consumption. It’s important to check your filters monthly during peak cooling season and replace them as needed.
3. Use Ceiling Fans Effectively
Your ceiling fans can help move air and cool, but in order to get the best results from your fans make sure they’re rotating counterclockwise. Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect that makes rooms feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.
4. Block Out the Sun
An easy way to cool down your home is to block out the sun. Direct sunlight can quickly heat up your home. Close blinds, curtains or shades during the hottest parts of the day. You should also consider buying blackout curtains. These curtains can provide even greater energy savings.
5. Seal Air Leaks
Small gaps around doors, windows and utility openings can let cool air escape and warm air enter. The easiest way to stop these leaks is by adding weatherstripping or caulk. It’s an affordable way to improve your home’s efficiency and reduce strain on your air conditioning systems.
6. Limit Heat-Producing Appliances
Ovens, dryers and dishwashers generate extra heat that makes your cooling system work harder. Try to use your grill more during the summer. Also, whenever possible, use any appliances that will create extra heat during the early morning or evening hours. This can help keep your house nice and cool and avoid any extra pressure on your cooling systems.
7. Schedule HVAC Maintenance
It’s important to schedule HVAC maintenance each year. A professional tune-up can help your air conditioning system run more efficiently and catch potential issues before they become costly repairs. Regular maintenance often improves performance, extends equipment life and lowers energy usage.
Conclusion
The temperature may rise this summer, but the price of your utility bills doesn’t have to. If you want more tips or you’re thinking of making a move, reach out to one of our Howard Hanna professionals today.
About Howard Hanna
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 15 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. The company’s proprietary Hanna Success System helps its agents achieve 53% more business than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
