Summer weather can be a double-edged sword, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and engage in various activities. However, if you live in a state like Texas, the extreme heat can lead to some sweaty situations and increased energy bills. These high temperatures put a significant strain on air conditioning units as homeowners struggle to keep their homes cool. The good news? CleanSky Energy has compiled a list of a few ways to efficiently prepare your home for summer weather and avoid the high energy bills!
Insulate Your Home
Insulating your home is one of the most effective ways to prepare for the summer heat. Insulation helps to keep the cool air inside, which reduces the strain on your air conditioning unit and ultimately leads to lower energy bills. There are several types of insulation, including spray foam, fiberglass, and cellulose. Speak with a professional to determine which type of insulation is best for your home.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature in your home to automatically adjust based on your schedule, so you’re not wasting energy cooling an empty house. You can also program the thermostat to turn the air conditioning down at night when it’s cooler outside, which can reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your monthly utility bills. Additionally, some programmable thermostats allow you to control your home’s temperature remotely through a smartphone app, which can be especially helpful if you’re away from home for an extended period of time, like summer vacation.
Perform a Deep Clean on Your Home
Deep cleaning vents, ceiling fans, and coils on your appliances such as your refrigerator can be crucial for maintaining energy efficiency during the summer months. Over time, these areas can accumulate dust and debris, which can restrict airflow and cause the systems to work harder than necessary. This results in increased energy consumption and higher utility bills. By regularly cleaning these areas, homeowners can ensure that their cooling systems are working at optimal levels and using energy efficiently. Additionally, taking the time to deep clean can improve indoor air quality by removing allergens and pollutants that may aggravate respiratory conditions.
Upgrade Your Window Coverings
Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat gain in your home during the summer months. To prevent this, consider installing window coverings like blinds or shades to block out the sun’s rays. This can help to keep your home cooler and reduce the workload on your HVAC system. You can also consider installing reflective window film, which reflects the sun’s rays away from your home to keep it cooler.
Maintain Your Air Conditioning Unit
Your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system is one of the most important components of your home when it comes to keeping you comfortable during the summer months. Before the hot weather arrives, it’s important to have your system checked by a professional to make sure that it’s in good working order. This includes changing the air filter, checking the thermostat, and making sure that all of the components are working properly. A well-maintained HVAC system will run more efficiently and lower your energy bills.
Use A Programmable Sprinkler System
Programmable sprinklers can be set to water your lawn or garden during the early morning or late evening hours, when temperatures are cooler and the evaporation rate is lower. This means that less water is required to keep your lawn or garden hydrated, which can result in lower water bills. Additionally, programmable sprinklers allow for precise control over the amount of water being used, which can help avoid overwatering and reduce the amount of runoff. This, in turn, can help conserve water resources and reduce the energy needed to treat and transport water.
Use Your Green Thumb
And speaking of your lawn and garden, consider planting trees, bushes, or shrubs in your yard. Trees provide shade, which can reduce the amount of heat that enters your home through windows and walls, lowering your cooling costs. Bushes and shrubs also help cool the surrounding air by providing shade and increasing the level of moisture in the air. By using your green thumb to plant these types of plants strategically, you can create a natural barrier against the sun’s heat, keeping your home cool and comfortable without having to rely heavily on air conditioning. Not only do these plants provide energy-saving benefits, but they also enhance the beauty and curb appeal of your home, creating an inviting and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and neighbors.
Use A Pool Cover
Using a pool cover is an effective way to conserve water and energy in your pool. Evaporation is a major cause of water loss, and a pool cover can significantly reduce this by keeping the water from direct exposure to sunlight and wind. Additionally, a pool cover can help keep your pool cooler by blocking the sun’s heat from directly entering the water, reducing the need for energy to cool the water. By using a pool cover, you can save both water and energy, and also prolong the life of your pool equipment by reducing chemical usage and wear and tear on pumps and filters.
Preparing your home for summer weather can seem like a daunting task however, with a few preparations, you can proficiently manage the heat and keep your energy bills under control. By implementing these strategies, you can stay cool, save money, and enjoy all that summer has to offer! Looking for a way to save money all year-round? Make the switch to CleanSky Energy, and find your 100% clean energy plan today!
