High heat and humidity can take a toll on our homes and our energy bills. Don’t let high temps take the fun out of summer and money out of your wallet. Here are five easy ways to save energy (and money) this summer.
- Run Your Fans. Keep your ceiling fans running to circulate conditioned air. This will create comfort without putting extra strain on your HVAC system.
- Vent It Out. If your home has a bath fan and/or a kitchen fan, run it! Running the bath fan after showers will help remove warm, humid air. Running the bath fan on a timer will help continually move stale, warm air out of the house. Running your kitchen fan will help remove warm air that results from cooking and pull out food odors (an added bonus).
- Seal Air Leaks. All homes have air leaks as a result of the construction process. Air leaks allow conditioned inside air to escape. You wouldn’t leave a window open when the air conditioning is running, would you? Not having your home air sealed has the same result. Having your home air sealed by a qualified contractor will help ensure the job is done right the first time.
- Adjust The Temp. Consider increasing the temp in your home and drawing curtains. Drawing curtains helps control indoor temps, and running ceiling fans can help make your home’s interior more comfortable. Be sure your home has a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your HVAC system when you aren’t home.
- Increase Attic Insulation. Many older homes don’t have enough attic insulation. Even newer homes may have attic insulation that does not meet current codes. Contact a qualified contractor to have insulation added to your attic. Increasing your attic insulation can save up to 30% on your energy bills!
Don’t wait for summer heat and humidity to arrive! Now is the time to make your home more energy efficient. Your wallet will thank you this summer (and all year round)!
