Many of us welcome the summer days of sunshine and savor the open doors that lie ahead. Nonetheless, these warm months can become a disastrous detriment to anyone’s overall comfort—not to mention one’s wallet. If an individual does not optimize their home to deal with the blazing heat, energy waste is inevitable.
Do you currently have a green plan in place? Or are you wondering about the best ways to curb those skyrocketing energy bills? Never fear—here is a list of ways to reduce energy consumption this summer. The game is afoot to offset the rising temps.
Think Smart With Your Thermostat
Nothing feels as wonderful as the sweet sensation of air conditioning on a swelting summer day. The hum of the AC is often music to one’s ears. Come what may, the best practice is still to raise the temperature on your thermostat. Consider setting your thermostat to at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Each degree higher will save on cooling, as long as your comfort allows it. Alternatively, consider investing in a programmable thermostat that will adjust the climate control when you’re away.
Fan Yourself
Another effective energy-saving method is to use fans. A good fan that circulates cool air around a room means you can raise your thermostat setting by four additional degrees without reducing your overall comfort level. Remember to switch over your ceiling fan’s blade rotation direction in the summer. A fan that rotates counterclockwise will push that cooler air down. Be sure to turn off any fans when leaving a room to reduce the energy pull. Fans function best to cool humans, not entire spaces.
Focus On Lighting and Shading
Opting for LED lighting is one of the main ways to reduce energy consumption this summer. If you haven’t switched over from standard incandescent bulbs, it’s time to think about energy-efficient lighting for your home. LED lighting runs cooler, so you don’t need to offset the heat they generate.
Speaking of heat, be sure to keep the sun out as well. Summer sunshine is incredible when you’re outside but proves terrible for keeping your home cool. Draw the blinds and curtains during the warmest time of the day, from around 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Doing so in south-facing and west-facing windows will reduce the greenhouse effect.
Consider a Home Energy Audit
Don’t think greener energy solutions will make a significant difference? Think again. These days, you should consider a home energy audit. An auditor will be able to identify energy problems in your home, such as cracks and openings requiring sealing or any home energy improvements that could provide greater comfort. Fortunately, preparing for a home energy audit is relatively simple. With the right mindset, you can make the most of this professional assessment for energy savings year-round. Increasing your efforts toward energy efficiency every day will make a difference in years to come.
