The weather here in the Midwest is finally staying consistently warm, which means only one thing; summer will be here before we know it! During the summer months, the outdoor heat can make home utility bills extremely high. However, there are many ways in which homeowners can save on utilities in the summer and continue to live comfortably in their homes without paying ridiculously high energy bills. This blog will give homeowners tips and tricks on how to save on utilities this summer!
Get your HVAC system checked
One of the most important things any homeowners can do to save money on their energy bills is by getting their air conditioner checked before the summer heat gets here. Air conditioners make up a big chunk of your home’s energy bills, especially during the dog days of summer. Replacing your HVAC filter alone can save you 5 to 15 percent in energy usage! Having an HVAC professional come and inspect your home’s air conditioner during the spring will ensure that your system is working as efficiently as it should be, and can even save you money on future repairs and maintenance.
Use a smart thermostat
Smart or programmable thermostats have become a popular way homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes! Smart thermostats allow you to program what hours your home will be vacant, as well as your usual sleeping hours. During those times, your thermostat will adjust the temperature of your home accordingly. By using a smart thermostat, homeowners can save money by increasing the temperature of their home when at work or on vacation. Many smart thermostat companies say that their products can cut your monthly energy bills by even 18 percent!
Unplug devices
To save even more money on your utility bills, consider unplugging your home’s devices when you go on vacation, go to work or go to bed! This helps reduce “standby” energy that accumulates while your devices and appliances are plugged in but not in use!
Use your ceiling fan!
During the hot months of the year, ceiling fans act as a way to ease some of the workload of your HVAC system. By using your ceiling fan while you’re sleeping at night or just hanging out, you will be able to save some extra money and energy! Every ceiling fan rotates two ways; clockwise or counterclockwise. During the summer, you should set your ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise. This will help push your home’s air down and create a nice, cool breeze in your home!
Use windows and blinds to your advantage!
In the Midwest, the nights can sometimes become quite chilly. If you are looking for an extra way to conserve energy this summer, consider turning off your HVAC system during the night and opening up your windows instead! Doing this requires no energy, yet will still bring in cool air from outside!
On the flip side, sunny days can make your home feel much warmer than you want it to. All homeowners should consider using blinds, drapes or some type of window covering to help keep some of that heat out! When you completely close your blinds during the summer days, you could be reducing heat gain in your home by up to 45 percent!
Don’t let the heat cause you any trouble this summer! Use these tips to keep your home feeling comfortable and your energy bills low all summer long!
At ServiceOne, we offer a variety of home services, including: plumbing, heating and cooling, electrical and more! To learn more about our services and how to save on utilities in the summer, visit our website today!