Summer Energy Saving Tips for Better Efficiency

The hot Summer days can empty your wallet with heavy energy bills. In Summer the largest part of the energy bill comes from the home cooling system. With AC running constantly you can expect the highest energy bills in the summer months.

Fortunately there are ways to save money in the summer without boiling in the heat. Here are some of the most effective energy saving top tips we’ve compiled that you can practice to save you money.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors

Upgrading your windows along with doors to energy efficient models can make a big difference. I noticed my home stayed cooler in the summer after I made the switch. Plus my energy bills dropped noticeably.

Energy efficient windows like double-pane plus Low-E glass are great choices. Double pane windows have two layers of glass with a space in between which helps keep the heat out.

Low E glass has a special coating that reflects heat making it even better at keeping your home cool. Both types really help with saving energy.

I also found that energy-efficient doors are super important. Doors made from materials like fiberglass or steel with a foam core provide much better insulation than traditional doors. This means less heat gets inside, helping to keep the indoor temperature comfortable.

Smart Thermostat Settings for Maximum Energy Savings

Setting your thermostat to 78°F when you are at home plus increasing it when away can make a big difference in energy bills. These small changes help save energy. The smart thermostat makes it easy to automate the changes based on your schedule so you don’t have to think about it.

Here’s what I do to save the most energy:

First I figured out when I am usually home plus when I am not. Then I used the app that comes with my smart thermostat to set these temperatures. The app even lets me create different schedules for different days making my routine flexible.

Following these settings recommended by energy experts has helped me keep my home comfy plus save on energy. Using the smart thermostat features ensures I don’t waste energy when I don’t need it.

You can buy thermostats from Amazon.

Utilize Natural Ventilation and Shade

I also rely on natural ventilation plus shade to keep my home cool. In the early mornings plus late evenings I open windows to let in cooler air. This simple step creates a nice airflow plus reduces the need for air conditioning. During these times the outdoor air is cooler which is perfect for refreshing the indoor environment.

To block out heat during the hottest parts of the day I use shades plus blinds along with curtains. By drawing these coverings I can cut down the amount of direct sunlight entering my home. This helps keep the indoor temperature lower and reduces the need for artificial cooling. Using shades and blinds effectively prevents rooms from getting too hot, making my living space more comfortable.

Head to Amazon to check wide collection of shades.

I also take advantage of natural light when it is not too intense so I don’t need to use electric lights as much. This saves energy. Combining these natural ventilation techniques and shading strategies makes a big difference in keeping my home comfortable and energy-efficient during the summer.

Run Appliances During Off-Peak Hours

I save a lot on energy bills by running my appliances during off peak hours. These are times when electricity demand is lower usually late at night or early in the morning. By using my appliances during these hours I save electricity plus cut down my energy costs.

To find out when off-peak hours are, I use tools and apps from my utility company. They provide real time data plus notifications so it is easy for me to plan. For instance running my dishwasher at 9 PM instead of 3 PM can make a noticeable difference on my bill.

Here is why running appliances during off peak hours is a smart move:

• Lower energy rates: Electricity costs less during off-peak times.
• Less strain on the grid: Using less power during peak times helps prevent blackouts.
• Longer appliance life: Running them during cooler times means less wear and tear.
• Better for the environment: Using less energy during peak times reduces carbon emissions.

These simple changes have really helped me save money and make a positive impact.

Effective Use of Ceiling Fans and Portable Coolers

Ceiling fans plus portable coolers help me save energy to keep my home comfy during summer.

Ceiling fans are great for moving air around, making a nice breeze that cools the room without dropping the temperature much. I always set my fans to spin counterclockwise in the summer. This pushes the air down and creates a wind-chill effect, making the room feel up to 4 degrees cooler.

You can buy ceiling fans from Amazon.

Portable coolers work by using water to cool the air, which is super handy in dry places. They use a lot less energy than regular AC units, so my cooling costs go down. I put portable coolers in the rooms where I spend most of my time. This way, I stay comfortable without using too much energy.

Check out air coolers on Amazon.

Using both ceiling fans plus portable coolers is a smart cost-effective way to keep my home cool. I don’t need to rely on energy hungry air conditioners as much. This lowers my electricity bill plus helps me live more sustainably.

Invest in Reflective Window Treatments

To save on cooling costs plus keep my home comfy I use reflective window treatments like films plus shades along with blinds. These help block out heat and lower indoor temperatures.

For example, reflective window films stick right to the glass and can reflect up to 70% of solar energy. Shades and blinds with reflective coatings also work really well.

You can choose blinds from wide collection at Amazon.

Here are some tips for picking and installing them:

• Material: Pick materials that reflect sunlight.
• Installation: Make sure to install them properly so no heat gets through gaps.
• Compatibility: Check that they fit your window type and size.
• Maintenance: Keep them clean to make them last longer.

Reflective window treatments not only cool the house but also protect furniture plus floors from sun damage.

Landscaping Tips to Keep Your Home Cooler

I have found that planting trees plus shrubs around my home really helps keep it cooler. This simple trick cuts down on the heat that gets inside.

Putting trees on the south and west sides works best since these spots get the most sun.

I choose trees that are native to my area because they grow better. Deciduous trees are perfect as they give lots of shade in the summer plus lose their leaves in the winter letting the sun warm my home when it is cold.

Shrubs help too. Placing them near windows or along the foundation blocks heat and adds extra shade. I go for dense, leafy shrubs to create a good barrier against the sun.

Use Solar-Powered Lights for Outdoor Spaces

After I upgraded my home’s landscaping to keep it cooler I discovered that using solar powered lights for my garden plus patio was a great way to save energy. These lights are cheap and also good for the environment since they use sunlight during the day to light up at night.

One big benefit of these lights is that they cut down on energy use. They run on sunlight so you don’t need electricity. Plus, they are easy to set up plus don’t need much upkeep making them super convenient.

When picking solar-powered lights, I make sure to choose ones that can handle different weather conditions.

Here’s how these lights have transformed my outdoor spaces:

• Better Ambiance: They make the area feel warm and welcoming.
• More Safety: Bright paths help prevent trips and falls.
• Extra Security: Lighting up dark spots keeps intruders away.
• Eco-Friendly: They help lower my carbon footprint.

To get the most out of them, I place the lights where they get lots of sunlight during the day. This way, they charge fully and shine bright all night.

Conclusion

With simple and effective changes like upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors, utilizing smart thermostat settings, and exploring natural cooling methods like using ceiling fans and reflective window treatments, saving on summer energy bills becomes not just possible, but easy.

Each tip from running appliances during off peak hours to incorporating solar-powered outdoor lights has proven to reduce costs. This approach not only lightens the load on your wallet but also contributes to a healthier environment.