Summer is just around the corner, and temperatures are already starting to rise. If you live in a relatively warm part of the country, you’re probably accustomed to high electricity bills in the summer thanks to how hard your air conditioning has to work. No matter what you do, your electricity bills will typically be higher in the summer, but they don’t have to be significantly higher. There are things you can do in your home to cut energy costs, even when it’s incredibly hot outside. Here are some of the things you should consider doing if you want to save energy and some extra money this summer:
1. Invest in a new thermostat – If you don’t have a digital thermostat, consider getting one. Older thermostats are generally not as good at measuring and regulating the temperature in your home. Additionally, digital thermostats that are programmable allow you to set how hard your air conditioner works during different parts of the day, minimizing how much energy is used to keep your house cool when you’re not around. Look for thermostats with the ENERGY STAR label because these will generally help you cut down energy expenses the most. Plus, these types of thermostats only cost around $40, so they’re not much of an investment.
2. Turn off all the lights when you leave – You probably already turn off most of the lights in your home before you leave your house. However, many people forget to turn off porch lights and lights in rooms like the bathroom and kitchen when they leave their home. Get into the habit of turning off all the lights in your house when you leave and when you go to bed. You may also want to unplug appliances and electronics before you leave or go to sleep. Appliances and electronics use up energy, even when they’re not running, if they’re still plugged in.
3. Get your insulation inspected – If your home isn’t properly insulated, your air conditioner has to work harder and use up more energy. Get a professional to come out and inspect your walls, windows, doors, floors, and ceiling to see if these areas are letting any heat into your home. If you’re home isn’t properly insulated, consider hiring someone to help you seal and insulate it or consider sealing and insulating problem areas yourself.
You’ll be amazed by how much cash you can save this summer if you try out the tips above. Taking the time to turn off all the lights in your home when you aren’t using them and investing in a new thermostat and better insulation can make a huge difference!
Author’s Bio: Ryan Franklin is a guest blogger who writes about home improvement, renovation, and cross country relocation with the help of cross country movers.
