The summer sun is back, bringing with it longer days, warmer temperatures, and for many, the dreaded spike in energy bills. As the mercury rises, your air conditioner kicks into high gear, working overtime to keep your home comfortable. But what if you could maintain that comfort without the high cost?
The good news is that you can. By adopting some smart habits and making strategic improvements, you can significantly reduce your energy consumption this summer. Here’s our guide to staying cool and energy-efficient when the heat is on.
Master Your Cooling System
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is the single largest consumer of energy in most homes during the summer. Taming this beast is your first and most critical step.
- Embrace Smart Thermostats: A programmable or smart thermostat is a powerful tool. Set it to a higher temperature when you’re away and have it cool down just before you return. An ideal summer temperature is 78°F (26°C) when you’re home and active. Every degree you raise the temperature can save you up to 3% on your cooling costs.
- Schedule a Tune-Up: Just like a car, your HVAC system needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. A professional tune-up will ensure your unit is clean, that refrigerant levels are correct, and that all components are working properly. Don’t forget to replace your air filters regularly (every 1-3 months) to improve airflow and efficiency.
- Harness the Power of Fans: A ceiling fan can make a room feel several degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so be sure to turn them off when you leave.
Defend Against the Sun
The sun’s radiant heat can turn your home into a greenhouse, forcing your AC to work harder. Your windows are the primary culprits for this heat gain.
- Use Window Coverings: Keep blinds, shades, and curtains closed during the sunniest parts of the day, especially on south- and west-facing windows. Light-colored or reflective coverings can work wonders in deflecting solar heat.
- Consider Window Film: Applying reflective window film is a cost-effective way to reduce solar heat gain without obstructing your view. It can block up to 80% of the sun’s heat.
Reduce Heat from the Inside
Your cooling system doesn’t just battle the sun; it also fights heat generated inside your home.
- Switch to LEDs: If you haven’t already, make the switch to LED lighting. Incandescent bulbs release about 90% of their energy as heat. LEDs are far more efficient and produce very little heat, reducing the load on your cooling system.
- Mind Your Appliances: Large appliances like ovens, dryers, and dishwashers generate significant heat. Try to use them during cooler, off-peak hours in the early morning or late evening. Consider grilling outside instead of using the oven.
- Unplug “Vampire” Electronics: Many electronics continue to draw power even when they’re turned off. This “vampire load” also generates heat. Unplug devices when not in use or use smart power strips that automatically cut power to idle electronics.
The Surest Path to Savings: A Professional Energy Audit
While these tips are a fantastic start, the most effective way to achieve maximum energy efficiency is with a professional energy audit.
No Cost Energy Audit Solutions in Arkansas
E3 Solutions specializes in energy-saving assessment solutions for your home in Arkansas! Through the Arkansas Home Energy Solutions Program, we provide no-cost energy audit services to help reduce your energy costs.
Don’t let high summer energy bills leave you sweating. Take control of your energy use, improve your comfort, and boost your bottom line.
Ready to uncover your home’s full potential for energy savings? Contact us today to see if your home qualifies for our no cost to you energy audit!
