Ways to Save on Home Energy Costs this Summer
As the heat of summer begins to hit mid-Missouri, you may be worried about your next energy bill. The summer months are when you tend to run your air conditioning unit, and this can come with a cost. While ensuring your family is comfortable inside your home is the first priority, there are a few creative ways to reduce the energy consumption around your home. As your experienced team of real estate agents in Eldon, MO, we have a few tips for you to help save on home energy costs and consumption.
Some recent studies by the EPA have shown that the average American household spends more than $2,000.00 a year on energy bills alone. This is quite a bit of money and energy that is being used to heat and cool your home. Help reduce your energy consumption, and save yourself money on electric bills, by trying the methods below.
Use Fans & Natural Cooling Agents
For central AC systems, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees Fahrenheit without sacrificing comfort. Fans also help spread the cool air from wall AC units throughout your home. Remember, your fans should rotate counter-clockwise in the summer months. This can help the cooler air keep rotating down throughout the room. If you are able, consider opening your windows during the night while you are sleeping and when it is cooler outside. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.
Set Your Thermostat & Avoid Frequently Changing the Temperature
Did you know that you could save up to 10 percent a year on cooling costs by turning your thermostat up 7 to 10 degrees from its normal cooling setting for just eight hours a day? This can result in a significant saving for your overall bill! When it is really hot outside, consider bumping your temperature up a few degrees - you'll likely not even notice the difference! This can help keep your HVAC system from working overtime, therefore saving on your energy consumption. A smart thermostat is another popular feature to help control your costs. During the day when you are at work, you can set your temperature to go up a few degrees and return to your preferred temp upon your arrival home. With a smart thermostat, you can save money on your energy bill just by programming your thermostat while you are asleep or away.Consider Shading Windows
If you have a window that gets direct sunlight, consider covering that window during the hours of direct sun. Sunlight can warm the inside of your home quickly. Consider hanging curtains over a window that gets a lot of direct sunlight to help optimize your energy consumption this summer. Think about purchasing window treatments such as black-out shades or other energy-efficient window treatments to keep the cool air inside. Blocking the sunlight by using shades can keep the heat out – it has been shown that highly reflective blinds can slash heat gain up to 45 percent when used properly. That’s a lot of saved energy – which means savings on electric bills! Make sure all your windows are sealed and that they close properly. Also make sure to caulk any cracks in the exterior of your home, as these will let in heat as well.
Limit Appliance Use
Appliances can use a lot of energy AND put more heat inside your home. This can cause your cooling system to work even harder to keep the temperature at a steady level. If you are using your appliances, try to do so first thing in the morning or in the late evening. This is the coolest time of day and the best time to use your indoor appliances! Using the cold cycle on your washing machine can help reduce energy, and hang drying your clothing will reduce the energy and heat that come with using a dryer! If you plan to do a lot of cooking this summer, try creative ways to cook your meals outdoors. If you have a grill, consider cooking on this more than using your oven indoors. This will keep heat from the oven from being trapped inside your home.Whether you start making all of these changes at once, or focus on one way to really cut back on your energy costs, you can start reaping the benefits right away. Seeing your electric bill decrease can be exciting, and planning what to do with that extra money can be even more fun! With a lower electric bill, you can spend your money on things you and your family enjoy. If you've been setting some money back for a down payment on your next home, we'd love to help you find the right home for sale near Eldon, MO. Give Devine & Associates a call and we can help you find the perfect property for you and your family. Let our experienced real estate team in Mid-Missouri get you started on the home buying process today! You will be glad you saved on energy costs when you have a little extra money for your new home.
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