How to Fight High Energy Bills During the Summer?
Here are the 10 best ways to win this fight.
1 Home Energy Audit
An Home Energy Audit is the first and most important step to take in this fight. Schedule one with your utility company or a reputable private audit company. The result will be an accurate assessment of how your home uses energy. They will check your home structure, insulation and appliances and make recommendations to correct any noted defiencies.
2. Programmable Thermostat
Invest in a programmable thermostat. This is a simple and relatively inexpensive devise that will save money and energy. They cost about $50-$150. You will then have the ability to adjust and regulate your home temperature lower when you are home and higher when you are away. It is almost a luxury when you can have the temperature at 82 degrees while you are at work and set it to automatically adjust to a nice, cool setting by the time you get home. According to Alliant Energy, you can save 10% for 10 degrees higher temperature that the air conditioner runs in an 8 hour period.
3. Landscaping
Allow Mother Nature to assist you in cooling your home by planting shade trees to block the sun. In addition to shade, trees add value and beauty to your home. To get the best cooling effect from your trees, they should be native to the area so that they can stand the extremes in the weather. They are also best placed on the northeast-southeast and northwest-southwest sides of your home.
4. Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a cost saving way to reduce energy use since they use 98% less energy than most central air conditioners. The fans will provide an extra cooling effect. Therefore the air conditioner comes on less frequently hence, saving money. Hot air rises so, running the ceiling fan counter clockwise in the summer is the most effective way to in cooling a room or area.
5. Air conditioner Filter
Checking your air conditioner filter every month and changing or cleaning it as is necessary will save on maintenance cost and will improve the performance of your air conditioner. There are some new filters on the market that are more efficient than the older models and some of these new filters also reduce allergens. An annual check up for your air conditioner will definitely enhance its efficiency.
6 Insulated Curtains.
Insulated curtains have many advantages. They are attractive and decorative and are available in various colors and sizes. In addition they filter light and reduce noise, but most importantly, they are extremely energy efficient. Don’t worry they are washable, durable and shrink resistant. Insulated curtains best asset is that they will save you money on your energy bill.
7. Window Treatments
Windows are known to be the culprit for 50% of your home heat gain in the summer. This puts extra strain on your air conditioner performance so, use window treatments to fight this inevitable excess heat gain.
Examples of this window treatment are:
Reflective films installed on the windows.
Window blinds and valances.
These are some of the ways to reduce the amount of heat gain in your home on those blistering, hot summer days.
8. Water Conservation
Practice water conservation and save money by installing a water saving shower head. Some counties around the United States will swap out your old shower head for a new water saving shower head. Run your washing and dish-washing machines with a full load when possible. Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
9. Updating Your Appliances
If you plan on changing out your water heater, change to a Tankless Water Heater. This new tankless technology saves space, saves energy and you will pocket a savings of 15% -20% of your energy bill. They range from $300- $800 and are definitely worth the cost.
10. Contact your utilities company and investigate signing up for their energy conservation program. This will show a significant savings in your annual energy bill.
Practice these 10 best ways to fight high energy bills in the summer and your home will be more efficient more comfortable, you will save money and will be doing good for the environment.
