Slash Summer Utility Costs

Soaring summer temps often lead to higher utility costs. On hotter days it’s not uncommon for the air conditioning to run nearly 24 hours. It’s these types of things which can double or triple a typical month’s electricity bill. Let’s put some money back into your wallet. Check out the numerous ways to lower costs throughout your home. Many of these tips can apply year-round for even bigger savings

Using a Programmable Thermostat Pays for Itself

If your home is like numerous others, you set a temperature on the thermostat and rarely change it. When using a programmable thermostat you have options to set various temps throughout the day and night. This maintains your comfort level but when you’re out of the house for a few hours or at work the temperatures can reflect this change. It doesn’t make sense to run an a/c unit on high if no one is home. Likewise, the temps could be lowered while you’re sleeping. Some smart thermostats can communicate with your phone so you can adjust the unit from your unit before you begin your home commute.

Get in the Habit of Closing Doors and Drapes to Seldom Used Rooms

Firefighters remind us to close bedroom doors at night to keep fire out. During the hot summer months make sure to keep with this similar practice by closing doors to seldom used rooms. It keeps the hotness out plus keeps the cooler a/c air focused on only the rooms you’re occupying. In these lesser used rooms draw the drapes to keep the day’s heat out. If you fail to close the curtains plus leave the room’s door open then this extra heat gets sucked into other areas of your home.

Go Energy Star Certified as Often as Possible

You may search for Energy Star certified appliances when it’s time for an upgrade but are you also thinking of these items for your light bulbs? LED bulbs are gaining popularity as energy savers over the long-term. When shopping look for the star and reap additional savings for your efforts.

Good Insulation Throughout is Beneficial in All Seasons

During the cooler months it’s natural to think of having good insulation to keep blustery drafts out but don’t overlook the benefits of insulation keeping cooler indoor temps inside. You don’t want a/c air to escape. Basements and attics are two rooms where air leaks can be found. Additional places to check include sealing around windows, doors, and adding any needed caulking around electrical outlets and pipes. Up to 10% on your annual utility bills can be savings when you seal the air leaks throughout your home.

Regularly Clean Filters and HVAC Systems

A clogged or dirty filter won’t be able to properly do its job. Slow airflow puts a strain on the whole HVAC system leading to more wear and decreased the lifetime of the unit. The cost of a replacement filter or cleaning is more cost effective than replacing the whole system. Follow the EPA’s recommendation of monthly filter replacements using heavy usage seasons such as in the summer and winter.

Adding Solar Power Reaps Sizable Savings

Have you ever considered adding solar panels to your home? While the initial installation comes with some the cost, the long-range benefits plus the federal and state tax credits and rebates can make this choice a smart one to consider. Numerous homeowners have seen their electric bill drop to zero while others have accrued enough energy to sell some back to the utility company. Solar panels are worth exploring to see if these are right a good option for your home.

Avoiding Water Waste

If rainfall seems to be a distance memory and your outdoor plants and lawn are looking parched it makes sense to grab the garden hose to give them a drink. The best times of day for watering outdoors is early morning and late evening. You don’t want your water efforts to evaporate in the day’s hot rays nor burn the plant’s leaves. Watering after the sun has gone down or before it peaks gives plants a chance to absorb the water straight to the roots.

Lowing the Hot Water Heater Thermostat

Running the hot water heater at 115 degrees Fahrenheit will meet all your basic hot water needs plus deliver a satisfying hot shower when desired. Cooler showers during the blistering hot days of summer will feel refreshing. When you check the temperature setting on your hot water heater if it’s above 115, set it back…and know you’re adding to your energy savings.

Ceiling Fans Have Sizable Benefits Year-Round

Did you know if you run your ceiling fan you can actually run your air conditioning a bit higher without sacrificing your comfort? Ceiling fans typically deliver savings of 20–30% on heating and air conditioning costs. During the summer months reverse the blade rotation to push cool down so you’ll feel a gentle breeze in the room. In the winter months, the blade rotation will push the warm air that rises back down into the room. Regardless of the season having a ceiling fan in each room brings comfort in an efficient way.

Go Green with Plants

Plant lovers reap many benefits with the shade from mature trees and shrubs to block the hot sun’s rays from your home. Imagine glass shelving with plants in front of a window to diffuse the light and reduce a room’s temperature. Perhaps vines on a trellis on your porch is enough to diffuse light and give added shade to both your porch and a nearby room.

Even choosing a few of these tips can help slash your utility bills this summer and even year-round. If you’re searching for a new home, keep these suggestions handy. You can reap immediate savings in your new home right from the start. How can I serve you with your house searches? It would be my pleasure to assist you with finding home. Don’t hesitate to call on me.

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers every year and was the #1 Top Producing agent in 2019 citywide. Sara is an American Dream TV Power Player who shares Houston real estate news with television viewers. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.