Turning up your air conditioner may seem like the best solution for beating the heat in the summer months. But your energy expenses can add up quickly if you depend on your thermostat too much. So, how do you strike a balance when you’re battling the heat?
Your electric bill doesn’t have to increase just because the temperature does. We’ve gathered a list of tips and money-saving gadgets that can save you energy in the summer so you can stay cool without sweating over your finances.
Use Cross Ventilation and Fans
Cross ventilation can help you cool your home at no cost. To start, open windows or doors on opposite sides of your home during the early morning or late evening hours when the air is chilly.
If there’s a breeze, it’ll move throughout the house, eliminating the hot and stale air inside. If there’s no air movement outside, try placing fans in windows or doors on opposite sides of your rooms. You can create a breeze yourself and promote passive cooling.
To help cool your home, you can also take advantage of overhead fans if you have them. If you don’t, box fans and rotating fans are also a convenient, cost-effective way to cool down your space, using far less energy than AC. To provide a comparison, an average central air conditioner uses an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 watts, whereas a ceiling fan uses only 15 to 90.
Keep Windows Closed and Check Seals
Cool air will typically escape a home through old or improperly sealed windows and doors. Heat gain and loss through windows can account for 25% to 30% of heating and cooling energy use in residential properties, so it’s important to make sure your windows are properly sealed and keep them closed whenever you’re using your air conditioner.
To check if your windows need attention, test for air leaks and examine the caulk and weatherstripping. Minor updates like redoing the caulking, investing in solar control film, and adding window coverings or treatments can be an easy DIY project for homeowners and help you save money.
If you’re willing and able to spend significantly more and you notice your windows are in poor shape, you may prefer to replace your windows altogether. Upgrading to storm windows can be a worthwhile investment, reducing your heat loss by as much as 50%.
Maintain or Replace Your HVAC System
Your HVAC filter is constantly working to keep dirt and debris from swirling through your heating and cooling system. That said, it can hinder the efficiency of your HVAC system if it isn’t regularly cleaned or replaced. By cleaning or replacing your filters every month or two during the summer, you can reduce your AC’s energy consumption by up to 15%.
If you’ve already replaced your HVAC filters and don’t see a difference in the strength of your HVAC output, it may be time to consider replacing your cooling system, especially if it’s over 10 years old. It might also be the right time to update your system if you’re preparing your home to go on the market. Energy efficiency can be an attractive selling point to potential buyers.
Replacing your system is a significant investment, of course. Fortunately, a home equity loan can give you access to the funds you need to make high-value improvements to your house if you don’t have the cash available.
Adjust Your Oven Usage
Even briefly using your oven can raise your kitchen’s temperature, affecting your comfort and causing your cooling system to kick on to combat the heat. By opting for no-bake foods like salads and sandwiches, you can keep your space cooler.
Reducing your oven usage doesn’t mean you have to forfeit a hot meal, however. Low and slow cooking options like crockpots can work well while keeping heat and energy costs to a minimum. On nice summer days, grilling is also a great way to get your family outside and make a delicious meal – no oven required.
Use Your Home Equity to Upgrade Your Space
Some energy-saving solutions come at a high upfront cost. If you’re hoping to make home updates and reduce your energy costs, but don’t have the cash on hand to do so, our home equity loans are a smart solution.
We offer various options to meet your needs, competitive rates, no application fees, and an easy application process. Learn more today!
