The summer months are a great time to go out and soak up the sun while spending time outdoors with friends and family. Once you’re back inside, though, that summer heat can lead to more reliance on your HVAC system, driving up your monthly utility bills. Learn our top seven energy-saving tips that can help you not just this summer, but year-round!
During the summer months, you will want to be sure that your air conditioner is up to date and ready to handle the cooling necessities that summer heat demands. Performing a quick check yourself or hiring a professional to make sure the system is working properly can alleviate future headaches during the hot summer months. You don’t want to have to deal with a broken HVAC system with skyrocketing summer temperatures!
Windows and doors may not seem like they could contribute to higher or lower energy bills, but if they have cracks or failed seals, cool air could be escaping your home. This means your HVAC system has to work all the harder to keep your home comfortable, upping your monthly bills. Any damaged windows and doors could be costing you money, so it’s best to replace them as soon as possible. Replacement windows and replacement doors save money throughout the year—all with a better quality product.
There’s another advantage to replacing ineffective doors and windows: closing off any failed seals or cracks keeps pesky summer insects outside.
You should change out your air filters about every three months or even more often if you or someone in your family has allergies or asthma. There’s another benefit to changing them frequently, too: it makes your home easier to cool. Air filters that don’t get replaced contribute to your HVAC having a harder time cooling your space with dust and other particles blocking the flow of air.
Changing your light bulbs to energy-efficient alternatives is an effective step towards cultivating an efficient home. Replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs is a great first step. LED bulbs use significantly less energy and produce far less heat, decreasing the work your HVAC system has to do little by little. Not only do energy-efficient bulbs consume less electricity, but they also have a longer lifespan, saving you money on replacements over time.
Monitoring your thermostat can help your awareness of how much electricity your home uses during the summer months. Keeping a close eye on temperature settings and avoiding cooling your home when it’s not needed adds up to saving in the long run. One easy step you can take is setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you’re not there or on days when the temperatures are milder. A smart thermostat is a good choice as well, since it allows you to set temperature adjustments automatically based on your daily routine.
Using fans in tandem with your AC system can enhance energy efficiency and provide a comfortable indoor environment during the summer months. While air conditioners are effective at cooling the air, fans can circulate and distribute the cooled air more efficiently throughout your home. This allows you to set your air conditioner at a slightly higher temperature without sacrificing comfort. Placing fans in various rooms around your home creates a gentle breeze and promotes airflow.
Closing your blinds is a time-tested method to cool your home by simply blocking sunlight from coming in. When the sun’s rays enter your home through windows, it heats your home over time, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain cool temperatures. Closing blinds, curtains or shades during the day can block out the sun’s intense heat and prevent it from warming your home.
While these tips are great for saving money on your energy bill during the summer, you can make smart moves to lower your energy bill at any time of year. Think casement windows may be the perfect, energy-efficient addition to your home? Our friendly team of experts at Window World of Toledo can help you transform your home with beautiful, affordable replacement windows and doors for a smarter, savings-oriented space. Contact us today to learn more about our products and easy installation process!