Summer heat is enjoyable on the beach, but not when you’re inside your house. Unfortunately, keeping your home comfortable often means rising utility bills. There are many clever ways to reduce your energy costs in summer so you can be cool indoors without spending a fortune on electricity.
Reduce Energy Costs This Summer with Fans
While air conditioners cool the entire house, most use only a few rooms daily. If you work from home or are relaxing on the couch, use a fan in the space to circulate air and keep comfortable. Airflow makes the area feel up to four degrees cooler, meaning you can keep your thermostat a few degrees higher. To reduce your home’s summer energy use, turn off the fan when you leave the room.
Keep Blinds and Drapes Closed
Even with high-quality windows, heat will enter your house when the sun is out. Keep the drapes closed on windows facing the sun to prevent radiant heat from warming the living spaces. If you are out of the house all day, close drapes and blinds before leaving for work.
Fill the Refrigerator
One way to reduce your energy use is properly calibrating the refrigerator. Use a thermometer to verify the freezer is between 0-5 degrees and that the fridge does not rise above 35 degrees. Clean the coils with a vacuum to remove dust and hair. Dirty coils prevent heat from escaping and force the refrigerator to work harder to cool your food. A full fridge means less space to be cooled, so a packed freezer and fridge are smart for saving energy.
Use Your Thermostat Wisely to Reduce Energy Costs This Summer
A programmable thermostat is a valuable ally when lowering energy bills. Here are a few of the best techniques to reduce your home’s summer energy use:
- Program the thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re at the office.
- Set a temperature that is as close to the outside temperature as is comfortable.
- Have maintenance performed on the HVAC system to keep it running efficiently.
Replace the Air Filter
HVAC filters get clogged with hair, dust, and debris over time. A clogged filter restricts airflow and makes the AC work harder, using more energy. Replace the air filter at the beginning of summer and once a month if you frequently use the system. Regularly replacing the filter reduces the amount of energy your AC uses by up to 15%.
St. James Home Services provides inspections to homebuyers and sellers in Durham and the surrounding areas of North Carolina. Contact us to request our services.